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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Birth Control & Safer Sex > FAQs about morning after pill
Question
If I had unprotected sex and I didn't take the morning after pill can I have unprotected sex again and then take the pill?
Is the morning after pills guaranteed? What if you start bleeding like the nurse said and haven't gotten your period like you're suppose to?
What should the procedure be for taking the morning after pill if one is already on the pill?
Answer
If you took the morning after pill within 72 hours of having the unprotected sexual intercourse, then it is very likely that it worked in preventing pregnancy. And your bleeding soon after is what we'd expect. Your "regular" period may take a while to reset to its normal pattern. You can always check a first morning urine sample for a pregnancy test at home also. If it's negative then the chances of your being pregnant are extremely low. Wait another month to see what happens. And of course do use contraception to prevent pregnancy in the future.
Unprotected sex again
I'm not sure why you would plan to have unprotected intercourse several times. The morning after pill can be taken up to 5 days after the unprotected sex and be effective but it's most effective when taken within 72 hours afterward. So if you have unprotected sex several times but all within 72 hours, then taking the pills at that point is likely to be effective for all those events. Of course it's better to plan ahead and be protected in advance!
Guaranteed?
It would be best to call the pharmacy or nurse you got them from.
Already on pill
Regular Birth Control pills are not necessarily effective the first month that you are on them. If you have unprotected intercourse during that month and you take the morning after pill you are increasing your hormone level to a point where you probably won't get pregnant. You may have some spotting that cycle. I would NOT recommend this method to be used intentionally. But if it truly is "the morning after" and you are trying to do something, I think this might help.
Use condoms for that first month as back up birth control and continue using them as protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Bleeding
Irregular bleeding is common effect after taking the "morning after pill." You should certainly perform a urine pregnancy test about 30 days after the first unprotected sex encounter, on an early morning urine sample, to insure that you aren't pregnant. You should also make an appointment with your physician to establish regular and reliable contraception!
Teen Advisory Board of PAMF