Is repeat use of emergency contraception safe?

Dear Reader,

If you took emergency contraception (EC) two months ago, you are not protected for any intercourse you had afterwards. So, if you want to be protected at this point, it may make sense to take EC again. Emergency Contraception offers a second chance to prevent a pregnancy after an unanticipated, unprotected event, or a birth control failure. EC is available over-the-counter to anyone aged 10 or older in the US (young women under 17 still need a prescription). The Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1.888.NOT.2.LATE provides information in English and in Spanish about EC, as well as on where to find EC nearby.

EC is a special formulation of standard hormones used in birth control that is taken within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. While repeat use of EC has no known health risks, you may already be familiar with temporary side effects when you took them last; some women may have changes in the amount, duration, and timing of their next period, while others may experience nausea and vomiting. EC is not designed to be used as a regular form of contraception, however using EC twice in a couple of months won't harm you.

You also ask what your chances are of getting pregnant. Too many variables are involved to accurately predict any woman's chances of becoming pregnant. Based on the information you provided, a couple of influential factors can be considered to help narrow the estimate of your risk of pregnancy. For example, did the unprotected intercourse happen during the most fertile days of your cycle? Typically, this period runs from five to six days before ovulation through the day after ovulation, with a 10 to 30 percent chance of becoming pregnant. If you know for sure that you have ovulated, and if the condom broke more than two days after ovulation, you're probably at lower risk for pregnancy. However, given that there is still a small possibility of becoming pregnant, using EC again may be a good idea.

When the condom broke during intercourse is another factor that may decrease or increase your likelihood of becoming pregnant. Did it break before or after your partner ejaculated? Did your partner pull out before or after ejaculating?

It can be helpful to talk with your health care provider about whether you want to take EC again, based on your previous experience and your feelings about taking additional medicine. Students at Columbia can call x4-2284 or log in to Open Communicator to make an appointment. For details about these other methods, check out the related questions below or search through Alice's Sexual Health archive. Best of luck making your decision,