I Took A Plan B 24 Hours After Having Unprotected

Posted on Sat, 9 Mar 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 Mar 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I took a plan b 24 hours after having unprotected sex then 3 hours later had unprotected sex again. Do I need another plan b or should I be okay. I start my birth control next week.

Answered by Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No need for the second dose of emergency contraceptive.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have understood your concern and I will suggest you the best possible treatment options.

First of all, please do not panic.
As you may be aware that emergency contraceptive pills work best to prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, in most of the women.
As you have taken your pills within 24 hours, you need not worry about the pregnancy.

Secondly, you need not consume them again, for the second sexual activity incidence.

Withdrawal blessings occur within 3 to 7 days after taking the emergency contraceptive pills.
But it can be early or late and it can be scanty or heavy.

Once you get withdrawal bleeding, you can start suitable oral contraceptive pills.

I'd suggest you get proper counseling done beforehand about safe and protected sexual activity. This helps to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STDs.

I hope this answer helps you.
Please feel free to communicate with me again.

Thanks.
Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee