Is It Safe To Have Two Pills Of Plan B Post Unprotected Sex?

Posted on Thu, 29 Jan 2015

Question: i am not sure if my daughter really took the plan b one step pill after unprotected sex. if i give her a second pill will she have more chance of getting pregnant?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Emergency pills will prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after sex

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in.

I have read through your query in detail.
It is important to make certain by asking your daughter, when she had unprotected sex and the details of plan B one step pill regarding how many hours after sex she swallowed the pill if she has taken it, before giving her a second pill.

If she admits to have taken a pill within 72 hours of having sex then she might be protected and there is no need for taking another one.

However whether she has not taken one or not, a second pill will work only if it is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and will protect her from an unwanted pregnancy. If it is more than 72 hours or 3 days then no pills will work.

These pills contain high doses of hormones and can cause early or delayed cycles for the next two cycles. These should be taken only in emergency and about once in 3 to 4 months only when required. Taking emergency pills too often can cause cysts in ovary , menstrual irregularity or infertility.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Thanks, just to be sure I understand the answer...
It has been less than 72 hours for her. She may have swallowed the pill but I can never be sure if she did because she does not tell me the truth a lot of times. So I want to be sure she is as protected as possible and want to give her another pill. But only if it won't make her have more chance of getting pregnant, like if taking two pills negate each other or something.

So I think I will give her a second pill, it is still under 72 hours, as long as it will not make her have more chance of pregnancy. Please tell me for sure about that.

Thank you so much. I appreciate your answer.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Taking a second pill within 72 hours will provide protection

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

These pills contain a high dose of Levonorgestrel which is a hormone and taking double dose might only cause her periods to be irregular for sometime. Taking another pill will protect her from unwanted pregnancy. Therefore taking another pill is advisable if you are not sure about your daughter telling the truth.

Taking a second pill within 72 hours will provide protection from pregnancy. The chances of pregnancy will be less. However this should not be repeated frequently.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar