Morning After Pill: Can You take More than One in a Cycle?

The morning after pill is a great emergency solution for preventing unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex. Most women understand what the morning after pill is and where they could obtain it. Yet, there is still some confusion about how it should be taken. Many women use as a one-off emergency solution, however research suggests that some rely upon the morning after pill as their go-to contraception. The morning after pill was designed for emergency uses – missed daily contraception, or a broken condom – not for regular use.

When Should You Take the Morning After Pill?

Despite the name, the morning after pill is effective even if taken beyond the morning after unprotected sex. While most effective the sooner you take, levonorgestrel (Levonelle) can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after the incident, and ellaOne effective up to 120 hours (5 days) following. Typically, a single tablet, the ‘morning-after-pill’ is one of two medications; levonorgestrel (Levonelle) and ulipristal acetate (ellaOne), to be taken as soon as possible.

The morning-after-pill is not an abortion pill. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation, preventing sperm from fertilising the egg or stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus. It will not work if you are already pregnant and cannot be taken as a preventative before unprotected sex.

Can You Take More than One Morning After Pill?

You can take more than one in the same cycle, although it’s not recommended and will not work if you have already ovulated. The first tablet you take will delay ovulation, if you take another after ovulation has already occurred, it may not prevent pregnancy.

If you need to take more than one pill in a cycle, then it’s key to note that different types may interact with one another. For example; if you’ve taken an ellaOne – levonorgestrel should not be used in the following 5 days. And, if you’ve taken levonorgestrel – ellaOne should not be taken in the following 7 days. Using them too close together may reduce their effectiveness.

Taking multiple pills in a cycle can also increase side effects; such as nausea or vomiting. If you vomit within 3hrs of taking the pill, you will need to take another dose.

What Alternatives Are There?

If you find yourself using the emergency contraception more than once in a cycle, perhaps consider a more reliable alternative. Other forms of contraception include:

• Birth Control tablets
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Condoms

The Bottom Line

The morning-after-pill is technically safe to take more than once in a cycle, but it is not advised and should not be a go-to contraceptive solution. Frequent use of emergency contraceptives can disrupt your cycle, cause increased side effects, and reduce effectiveness. If you’re relying on emergency contraception often, it’s essential to explore alternative forms of birth. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure you’re choosing the best and most reliable method for your lifestyle.