Is Emergency Contraceptives Advisable After A Condom Break?

Posted on Tue, 16 Dec 2014

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

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my condom tore during sexual intercourse last night. Can we use 'option 72' - the contraceptive pill now to avoid unwanted pregnancy. If so, would one tablet be fine or is there a follow up pill that she needs to consume? She's also due for her cycle in a couple of days. Pl let me know!

Answered by Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to take

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

As per your description her due date will be in 2 days that means 18 th December, in that case she needs not to take emergency contraceptive pills like Option 72, Unwanted 72 or I pill.

Please confirm her due date or last period date.
Does she have regular cycles?

Emergancy contraceptiove should be taken within 72 hours; it is very effective if she takes within 24 hours. I pill contains Levonogesterol 1.5mg. One pill is sufficient. No need to repeat the dose.

If she takes 0.75 mg or 750 mcg like postinor 2 which contains 2 pills then she needs to take one dose within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse and need to repeat one more dose after 12 hours.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju