Can emergency contraceptives only be taken three times a year? What precautions should be taken when taking contraceptive pills

Sexual activity is an essential emotional booster for couples, but if there are no proper measures taken during sexual activity, unexpected pregnancy can cause anxiety and concern. In daily life, many men and women take emergency contraceptives in the event of contraceptive failure, but there are also rumors that emergency contraceptives can only be taken three times a year, which makes many women afraid. Many people are hesitant to take emergency contraceptives when needed after exceeding the limit. Although emergency contraceptives can harm the body, they should still be taken when necessary.

Can emergency contraceptives only be taken three times a year?

Emergency contraceptives may not be taken only three times, as confirmed by the World Health Organization. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that repeated use of emergency contraceptives poses health risks, and some physicians have even pointed out that it can be taken multiple times during the same menstrual period. That is to say, there is no medical expert or scientific evidence to prove that emergency contraceptives can only be taken three times a year.

Most doctors point out that emergency contraceptives cannot be taken frequently because their effectiveness is not as good as expected. Its overall effectiveness is only 80%, and there are multiple factors that can affect the effectiveness of medication, such as taking medication after more than 72 hours. Vomiting occurs within two hours of taking medication, which affects drug absorption. In addition, most of the components of emergency contraceptives are hormones, and raising hormones in a short period of time can affect the endocrine system, leading to menstrual disorders and a series of side effects, such as nausea and headache. So most doctors do not recommend using emergency contraception as a routine contraceptive method.

Therefore, if you want to have effective contraception, you need to choose condoms, short acting contraceptives, or intrauterine devices based on your own situation. If contraception fails, it should still be taken when emergency contraception is needed, and the harm caused by accidental pregnancy can be much higher than taking emergency contraception.

What should I pay attention to when taking emergency contraceptives?

1. Pay attention to the timing of medication

Most emergency contraceptives should be taken within 72 hours after the event, and the earlier you take them, the better the effect. If the probability of failure exceeds 72 hours, it will greatly increase, so taking the medication earlier is better, and taking it on an empty stomach has a better effect.

2. Cannot engage in unprotected sex again

Some women believe that taking emergency contraceptives can allow them to engage in unprotected sexual activity continuously. But emergency contraceptives are only intended for one-time use, and measures need to be taken again for sexual intercourse after taking them.