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How Long Does An Emergency Contraceptive Pill Remain Effective After Its Intake?
Question: I had sex with my gf on 7th and took wanteted 72 after 38 hrs. After hours of taking we had another intercourse should she take a another pill for safty. Is it required..
Brief Answer:
Usually not necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The efficacy of the emergency pill has been shown to remain for five days in the body and hence, another dose may not usually be necessary.
Moreover, frequent intake of emergency pills disturbs the normal hormonal balance of the body and causes irregular menstruation and fertility problems in future.
If there is need for emergency contraception frequently, it is ideal to opt for a regular form of contraception. Emergency pill use should be restricted to once or twice a year.
Another form of emergency contraception is to get an IUD inserted. This also acts as an extended form of contraception until needed.
Hope your query has been clarified. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help.
regards,
Shanti.V.
Usually not necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The efficacy of the emergency pill has been shown to remain for five days in the body and hence, another dose may not usually be necessary.
Moreover, frequent intake of emergency pills disturbs the normal hormonal balance of the body and causes irregular menstruation and fertility problems in future.
If there is need for emergency contraception frequently, it is ideal to opt for a regular form of contraception. Emergency pill use should be restricted to once or twice a year.
Another form of emergency contraception is to get an IUD inserted. This also acts as an extended form of contraception until needed.
Hope your query has been clarified. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help.
regards,
Shanti.V.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had sex after 3 hours of taking tablet and it is seen in one website that it give safety only for the one before . hope the 3 hours can be exemption .. Or should I take a tab
Brief Answer:
No need to take another tablet.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing back.
As I mentioned earlier, the drug has a half-life enough to cover the second sexual activity also which occurred three hours after the intake of the emergency pill. So, there s no need to take another pill.
It is true that emergency pills are meant to give a one-time protection. This means that it should not be taken for granted that once a pill is consumed in a menstrual cycle, the entire cycle which may span 25-35 days, is protected. It does not mean that a pill should be consumed so frequently.
Moreover, if you have always had regular cycles and happen to be in the safe or non-fertile period, there is natural protection and you do not need the pill at all in the first place.
Hope your query has been clarified. Please get back if you need more information. I will be ready to help.
regards,
Shanti.V.
No need to take another tablet.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing back.
As I mentioned earlier, the drug has a half-life enough to cover the second sexual activity also which occurred three hours after the intake of the emergency pill. So, there s no need to take another pill.
It is true that emergency pills are meant to give a one-time protection. This means that it should not be taken for granted that once a pill is consumed in a menstrual cycle, the entire cycle which may span 25-35 days, is protected. It does not mean that a pill should be consumed so frequently.
Moreover, if you have always had regular cycles and happen to be in the safe or non-fertile period, there is natural protection and you do not need the pill at all in the first place.
Hope your query has been clarified. Please get back if you need more information. I will be ready to help.
regards,
Shanti.V.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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