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Emergency contraception part one

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Emergency contraception (EC) timeline
Advice for women missing combined oral contraceptives
Advice for women who miss or are late taking progestogen-only pills
Emergency contraception

module menu icon Advice for women missing combined oral contraceptives

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module menu icon Advice for women missing combined oral contraceptives

If one pill has been missed (more than 24 hours and up to 48 hours late), the customer:

  • Should take the missed pill as soon as possible
  • Should continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time
  • Does not require additional contraceptive protection
  • Does not require emergency contraception, but this may be considered if pills have been missed earlier in the packet or in the last week of the previous packet.

    • If two or more pills have been missed (more than 48 hours late), the woman should:

  • Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible
  • Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time
  • Use condoms or avoid sex until seven consecutive pills have been taken.

    • In addition, if pills are missed:

  • In week one (days one to seven), EC should be considered if she had unprotected sex during this period because the pill-free interval has been extended
  • In week two (days eight to 14), there is no indication for EC if the previous seven pills have been taken consistently and correctly and are taken correctly thereafter
  • In week three (days 15-21), the pill-free interval should be omitted by finishing the active pills in her current pack and starting a new pack the next day.

    • Emergency contraception part one

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