Can emergency birth control pills be taken during menstrual cycle?
An unexpected failure in your regular contraception method may cause you to become pregnant when you are not prepared for it. You can then use emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy without exposing your body to any serious side effects. Progestin-only emergency contraceptive pills such as Levonelle one step or ellaOne are often the first choice for many women in the US. Also known as the ‘morning after pill’, Levonelle has become a popular choice for its safety and efficacy. You can take it within 72 hours from unprotected sexual intercourse to give yourself a great chance to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. But many women still feel confused about the correct timing of emergency contraception. One of the frequently asked question is, “Can I take an EC pill when I am in the middle of my menstrual cycle?” Let’s find out.
Levonelle one step is formulated in such a way that you can take it anytime in your menstrual cycle. However, you should watch out for any unusual delay in your next menstrual bleeding after you have taken an EC pill during your current period. If the next period is too late (5 days or more), talk to a doctor and get a pregnancy test done immediately to exclude the risk of pregnancy.
If it’s a regular birth control pill which you have taken on the 1st day of your current menstrual cycle, you should continue taking it at the same time everyday until you finish the pack. But for an emergency birth control pill like Levonelle one step, it is advisable that you use a reliable barrier contraception method (e.g. condom, cap or diaphragm) until your next period starts. Using a barrier method in conjunction with emergency contraceptive pills gives you extra protection against conception.
You can buy Levonelle online from any registered online clinic, given that you are 16 years or above. Once you have the contraceptive pack in your hand, carefully read the drug information panel to get rid of any doubts that you may have now.