Is it too late to take the contraceptive pill the day after intercourse?

Taking contraceptives the day after intercourse is generally not too late, and it is necessary to take the medication under the guidance of a doctor. Contraceptives are composed of estrogen and progesterone, and the common contraceptives include short-acting contraceptives, long-acting contraceptives, and emergency contraceptives. Emergency contraceptives can be taken the day after intercourse, which can delay or stop the release of egg cells to achieve the purpose of emergency contraception. However, emergency contraceptives generally do not maintain contraceptive effectiveness, and if intercourse occurs again after taking the medication, the probability of pregnancy is relatively high. Additionally, there is a possibility of contraceptive failure with emergency contraceptives. If an unexpected pregnancy occurs, it is necessary to promptly visit a hospital for examination to avoid affecting the growth and development of the fetus, and termination of pregnancy may be required in some cases.

Emergency contraceptives have relatively significant side effects, and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and other discomforts may occur after taking the medication. If a large dose of the medication is taken, symptoms such as early menstruation, delayed menstruation, and increased bleeding may also occur. Frequent use of emergency contraceptives may increase the risk of infertility. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid frequent use of emergency contraceptives and to take appropriate contraceptive measures during intercourse. Short-acting contraceptives or long-acting contraceptives can also be prescribed for contraception. After taking the medication, it is necessary to adjust the diet and eat light foods to avoid affecting the absorption of the medication.