How many times can emergency contraceptive pills be taken in a year?

Generally speaking, emergency contraceptive pills can be taken three times a year. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Emergency contraceptive pills are primarily used for emergency contraception when no contraceptive measures have been taken or when contraception has failed, such as condom breakage or missed regular contraceptive pills. Occasional use of emergency contraceptive pills—for instance, once or twice a year—is generally considered safe. These pills work by regulating hormone levels to prevent or delay ovulation, thereby achieving a contraceptive effect.

However, if emergency contraceptive pills are used multiple times within a year—more than three times, for example—it may increase the risk of health issues such as menstrual disorders and hormonal imbalances. Furthermore, frequent use may reduce the contraceptive effectiveness of the pills and increase the likelihood of unintended pregnancy. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary harm to the body, the total number of times emergency contraceptive pills are taken within a year should not exceed three.

Before using any contraceptive medication, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. If long-term contraception is needed, more reliable and less side-effect-prone contraceptive methods should be considered, such as short-acting oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDs).