Should You Take Emergency Contraceptive Pills Twice in One Month?

Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken twice within a month?

I would like to ask, since my menstrual cycle is 26 days long and my period started on February 12, but it was supposed to start on February 11.
However, I had a severe cold starting on February 4 and took cold medication until February 11, which caused me to feel unwell and led to a delay in my period.
As a result, I stopped taking the medication, and my period arrived on February 12 and lasted for six days.

On February 20 and 21, I engaged in several instances of sexual intercourse, both with and without a condom, and on the evening of the 21st, I took emergency contraception.
Then, on the 27th and 28th of that week, I again had sexual intercourse with and without a condom.
On the evening of the 27th, I used a condom for most of the time, but after ejaculation, I wiped off the semen and then had unprotected intercourse.
On the 28th, I had unprotected intercourse for 1-2 minutes before putting on a condom.
Should I take emergency contraception again? Since it is within a month, I am unsure whether I should take the medication again, as I am concerned about causing menstrual irregularities or other complications.
I am quite anxious about this.
Thank you for your help.

Shuo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/28

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should consider taking the emergency contraceptive pill again, as you cannot rely on the safe period.
It is better to take preventive measures before engaging in sexual activity.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/02/28

More Info

When it comes to taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to understand how they work and the implications of using them multiple times within a short period. Emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days later.

In your case, you have already taken ECPs once this month after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. The concern about taking ECPs again within the same month is valid, as frequent use can lead to hormonal imbalances, which may cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle. However, it is crucial to consider the timing of your sexual activities and the risk of pregnancy.

Given that you had unprotected intercourse on February 20 and 21, and then again on February 27 and 28, the key factor is whether you believe there is a significant risk of pregnancy from these encounters. If you are unsure whether any of these instances could have resulted in sperm exposure without adequate protection, taking another dose of ECPs may be warranted.
However, it is essential to note that while ECPs are safe for occasional use, they are not intended as a regular contraceptive method. Frequent use can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and changes in your menstrual cycle. If you find yourself needing to use ECPs frequently, it may be a good idea to discuss more reliable contraceptive options with a healthcare provider.

In summary, if you feel there is a reasonable risk of pregnancy from your recent sexual encounters, taking ECPs again may be appropriate. However, be aware of the potential side effects and consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to explore more consistent contraceptive methods. It’s also advisable to monitor your menstrual cycle closely after taking ECPs, as they can cause changes in timing and flow. If your period is significantly delayed or if you experience unusual symptoms, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

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