Repeated use of EC pills: What to know?

July 2026. ECEC has published the second edition of Repeated use of emergency contraceptive pills. Summary of current recommendations. The updated brief reflects the latest recommendations in the World Health Organization’s Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (6th edition, 2025), which classify repeated use of emergency contraceptive pills within the same menstrual cycle as Category 1 (no restriction for use). The brief also continues to emphasize that, after taking EC pills, users should use condoms or avoid intercourse until their next menstrual period. If unprotected sex occurs again, another dose of EC pills can be taken to further reduce the risk of pregnancy.

ECEC first published Repeated use of emergency contraceptive pills: Summary of current recommendations in January 2025. The document summarizes what is known about repeated use of emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel (LNG) or ulipristal acetate (UPA), based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the College of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare.

The brief is intended for the general public, advocates, pharmacists, policymakers, and journalists. Understanding how EC pills work—including when used more than once in the same menstrual cycle—is important to avoid overestimating their effectiveness and to help people make informed decisions about their use.