Have you recently taken a morning-after pill and wondered, “Am I protected if I have sex again?” If you’re panicking, don’t fret; it’s something that many people worry about. While good ol’ emergency contraception (EC) can be extremely helpful after a “whoopsie,” whether that be a broken condom or failed birth control, the details about how long it works can get confusing. So, let’s clear that up real fast to give you peace of mind: the morning-after pill only protects you from the sex that occurred before you took it, not the sex that happens after.
So, without further ado, let’s refresh our memory on what EC does, how long it actually lasts, and what to do if you end up having unprotected sex again.
Does the Morning After Pill Protect You From Future Sex?
Here’s the deal: emergency contraception works by delaying ovulation, which is basically hitting pause so an egg isn’t released when sperm’s still hanging around. However, it only does its job that one time. It’s not like starting the pill or wearing a condom. There’s absolutely no ongoing protection, even if you’re thinking about sex after taking Morning After Pill® or other Plan B option, which offers any next-day protection.
Here’s a quick overview of how the two types of EC pills, Plan B or Morning After Pill (levonorgestrel) work:
- Morning After Pill® (or other Plan B option): The levonorgestrel in this type of EC pill delays an ovulation that’s about to happen, so the sperm will not find an egg to fertilize. Each egg can only be fertilized for the first 24 hours or so after it’s released. Since sperm remains active for more than a day, adding fresh sperm to the mix might leave enough to fertilize the egg via delayed release. Simply put? You’re taking a pretty big risk if you do the deed again after taking the pill.
Once EC has done its job, it just … stops. There’s no lingering shield, no multi-day protection for new sex, and no magical force field. If you have unprotected sex afterward, you go back to 0% pregnancy prevention if you don’t have any backups.
Visit our Learn & Share blog for answers to common EC questions.
What Happens if You Have Unprotected Sex Again After Taking It?
Okay, so something went wrong while doing the deed. Maybe the condom broke or slipped off, or someone got caught up in the moment, or your faithful birth control didn’t come through for you. What do you do now?
Here’s what you can do without going into panic mode:
- Consider another dose, but timing matters: If you’ve had unprotected sex again before ovulation, taking another dose can help. So, if you've already taken the Morning After Pill® or Plan B, retake it. But if you took Ella, don’t take the Morning After Pill® within five days, as they can cancel each other out. If you can’t get the timing right, using a condom is your safest bet.
- Think about long-term birth control: The morning-after pill is great in the moment, but it’s not meant to be your primary form of birth control. A regular birth control method, whether that’s the pill, patch, implant, or IUD, etc., can keep you protected before you even have to think about it.
Can You Get Pregnant After Taking the Morning After Pill?
Yes, pregnancy is still a possibility after taking emergency contraception, just not from the sex it was meant to protect you from.
Let’s explain why:
- The morning-after pill only works if taken before ovulation.
- It doesn’t stop ovulation forever; it just delays it.
- Once EC wears off, if ovulation happens and you do the deed again, pregnancy is possible.
Here are the best-case scenarios for EC pill effectiveness:
- Morning After Pill® or Plan B: About ~87% effective when taken within 72 hours.
The key takeaway is simple. It’s best to take EC immediately after having unprotected sex to get the best results possible. It’s not really a “wait and see” type of medication.
How Long Does the Morning After Pill Protect You?
Here’s where the misunderstanding might be on this topic: some people may assume the morning-after pill gives you a “bubble” of protection for a few days, and it doesn’t.
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Morning After Pill® and Plan B, stays active for 24 to 48 hours. Once it’s metabolized in your body, you no longer have that pregnancy protection.
Just think of the morning-after pill as a one-time “delay” button. Once you press it, it’s done.
Some people may wonder, “Can I get pregnant after taking Plan B if I had sex the next day?” and the answer is yes. Morning After Pill® or Plan B only protects against past sex, not future sex.
When to start Birth Control Pills After Taking a Morning After Pill
If you want to avoid any more stress (or repeat doses), here’s what you need to know about when to start birth control pills after taking Morning After Pill®
- If you took Morning After Pill® or other Plan B formulations: Start a new pack of hormonal birth control pills the following day. You also need to use condoms for the first 7 days for back-up protection, just to be safe.
- If your period is running late: Take an EarlyPTTM pregnancy test or another early-detection pregnancy test because you might be pregnant. A pregnancy test is the simplest way to put your mind at ease.
Why Understanding Timing and Protection Matters
The morning-after pill is a powerful tool to have in your sexual health toolkit. but only when you use it with the right expectations.
When people misunderstand how long it works, they end up:
- Taking it too late
- Thinking that they’re protected when they’re not
- Dealing with unnecessary stress
- Using multiple forms of EC when condoms or birth control would’ve been enough
At Cadence OTC, we cut through all that confusion with clear, research-backed information. The better you understand how EC works, the more confident you’ll be navigating these moments and the less likely you’ll be scrambling for another dose in a panic.
Order the Morning After Pill® directly from Cadence OTC.
FAQs About Sex After Taking the Morning After Pill
Here are some common questions about doing the deed after taking the morning-after pill:
Do I need to retake Morning After Pill if I had sex again?
If you’re wondering, “Do I need to take the Morning After Pill® again?” after doing the deed a second time after taking the pill, then yes, you may need another dose.
Can I get pregnant from sex the next day?
Yes. Emergency contraception doesn’t give you any protection for future sex after you’ve taken the pill. If ovulation occurs after the pill has worn off, pregnancy is possible from any new unprotected sex.
How long after taking Plan B or Morning After Pill should I use condoms?
As soon as possible. Morning After Pill®doesn’t give you ongoing protection from pregnancy. Use condoms until you’re on a consistent, long-term birth control method.
Conclusion
Emergency contraception is an excellent backup plan after having unprotected sex, but it only protects you from what’s already happened, not what happens next. It’s recommended that you use condoms after taking it, take another dose if you have unprotected sex again, and consider getting on regular birth control. The more informed you are about how EC works, the more confidently you can take control of your reproductive health.
Learn more about how to use emergency contraception effectively with Cadence OTC.
