Should contraceptives be taken before or after intercourse?

Emergency contraceptives are usually taken after sex, while long-acting contraceptives are generally recommended to be taken before sex. Contraceptives are a good contraceptive measure with a wide range of applicable populations, but excessive or long-term use is not recommended as it may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and delayed menstruation. It is better to take contraceptives regularly according to the instructions. If you want to avoid pregnancy, it is recommended to choose condoms.

I. Time for Taking Contraceptives

1. Emergency contraceptives are taken after sex and are mostly used as a remedial measure after failed contraception. If a patient has not taken contraceptive measures or the contraception fails during sexual activity, emergency contraceptives should be taken within 72 hours after sex.

2. Long-acting contraceptives and combined short-acting contraceptives are generally used preventively and require long-term use. Whether before or after sex, regardless of whether there is sexual activity, they should be taken regularly according to the instructions. Combined short-acting contraceptives have fewer side effects and are relatively safe. The advantage of long-acting contraceptives is that they can last for a relatively long time after a single use, making them simpler.

II. Precautions for Taking Contraceptives

The way of taking each contraceptive is different, and it must be taken according to the regular method. Therefore, it depends on which contraceptive you are currently taking. If you are taking emergency contraceptives, you can take them on an empty stomach within 72 hours after sex, and can only use them once a month, not more than three times a year.