What should I do if I missed my second dose of emergency contraceptive pills?

Doctor's Answer

There are 2 types of emergency oral contraceptives available. The one that you are on involves you taking 2 tablets 12 hours apart. Since you have missed your second dose, you cannot rely on this method anymore so you will need to restart the whole regime again (in that you need to take 1 pill immediately and make sure this time you remember to take the second pill 12 hours later) in order for this to be effective. If it has been more than 3 days since your last act of unprotected sexual intercourse, this method will also not work.

Alternatively, you can take the newer emergency contraceptive pill which involves taking only 1 pill and this will be effective up to 5 days since your last unprotected intercourse.

Finally, there is the copper IUCD that you can get inserted into your uterine cavity and you have up to 5 days from your last unprotected sexual intercourse to get this inserted in order for this to be effective.

If your really cannot afford to get pregnant, then I suggest you see a gynaecologist immediately for more emergency contraception and advice.

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