How to Take Emergency Contraceptive Pills Correctly

May 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Emergency contraceptive pills are medications used to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. To ensure proper usage, it is important to take the medication as soon as possible, remain on an empty stomach, follow the recommended dosage frequency, monitor menstrual patterns, and be aware of contraindicated populations. To better protect yourself, it is recommended to use reliable long-term contraceptive methods and to use condoms during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Emergency contraceptive pills are medications used to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. To ensure proper use, it is important to take the pill as soon as possible, remain on an empty stomach, pay attention to the number of doses taken, monitor menstrual conditions, and be aware of contraindicated populations. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Take as soon as possible: Emergency contraceptive pills should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, with earlier administration resulting in better effectiveness. The contraceptive effect may significantly decrease if taken beyond 72 hours.

2. Remain on an empty stomach: The pill should be taken on an empty stomach, avoiding food intake two hours before and after taking the medication, to ensure its absorption in the stomach. Emergency contraceptive pills may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and eating immediately after taking them may cause nausea, vomiting, and expulsion of the medication, thus affecting contraceptive effectiveness.

3. Pay attention to dosage frequency: Emergency contraceptive pills are only effective for the most recent unprotected sexual act and should be taken only once per menstrual cycle. Other reliable contraceptive methods, such as condoms, should be used for subsequent sexual activities.

4. Monitor menstrual conditions: After taking emergency contraceptive pills, menstrual changes should be closely observed. These pills may affect the menstrual cycle and cause irregular bleeding. If menstruation is delayed or abnormal bleeding occurs, prompt medical evaluation should be sought to rule out contraceptive failure or ectopic pregnancy.

5. Be aware of contraindicated populations: Not everyone is suitable for taking emergency contraceptive pills. For example, women over 40 years of age, individuals with acute or chronic hepatitis, nephritis, heart disease, hypertension, malignant tumors, those allergic to such medications, patients with liver or kidney disease, and individuals with adrenal cortical insufficiency should not use emergency contraceptive pills. It is advisable to consult a physician or gynecological specialist before use.

To better protect yourself, it is recommended to adopt reliable long-term contraceptive methods and use condoms during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

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What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

In general, emergency contraceptive pills are used as a post-coital contraceptive measure. Possible side effects after taking them include menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal discomfort, breast tenderness, dizziness, headaches, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used frequently. It is recommended to use them no more than three times a year and no more than once per month. Regular contraceptive methods should be prioritized for daily use.

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What are the potential risks of taking emergency contraceptive pills frequently?

In general, taking emergency contraceptive pills in excess may lead to potential risks including menstrual disorders, reduced contraceptive effectiveness, hormonal imbalances, increased risk of gynecological diseases, and physical discomfort. It is recommended to avoid using emergency contraceptive pills as a regular contraceptive method. Instead, safer and more effective options such as condoms or short-acting oral contraceptives can be considered.

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What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

In general, emergency contraceptive pills are used as a post-coital contraceptive measure, and their side effects mainly include menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal discomfort, breast tenderness, dizziness, fatigue, and irregular vaginal bleeding. When using emergency contraceptive pills, it is important to note that they are only suitable for occasional emergency use and should not be used frequently as a regular contraceptive method. It is recommended that the number of uses per year should not exceed three.

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How long is it considered normal for menstruation to be delayed after taking contraceptive pills?

In general, it is considered normal for menstruation to be delayed by up to 7 days after taking contraceptive pills. The specific delay time is related to the type of contraceptive pill and individual physical condition. If short-acting contraceptive pills are taken, the delay usually does not exceed 7 days; if emergency contraceptive pills are taken, the delay may be around 7 days, and if it exceeds this, attention should be given. Contraceptive pills should be taken strictly according to medical advice or the instructions provided, and missed doses should be avoided.