How many times can you take the morning after pill?

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the emergency contraceptive pill (the ‘morning after pill’) in a lifetime.

However, using emergency contraception pills repeatedly is not recommended as a regular method of contraception, because they are only effective if taken before you have ovulated. Taking them repeatedly can also disrupt your natural menstrual cycle.

It is important to note that if you have taken the emergency contraception pill, it will not protect you from pregnancy if you have sex again during that cycle - in this situation you would have to take another dose of the emergency contraception pill or have a non-hormonal coil (IUD) fitted.

Emergency contraception pills can be taken more than once during a menstrual cycle. However, if you take two within 7 days, they must be the same type of pill; they will be less effective if you take different types of pill within the same week.


Last updated at: 11 January 2023