I was just wondering, do morning after pills have any effect on your menstrual cycle? And is it ok to consume it at anytime, cause whenever i had sex with my boyfriend we were always save but i just got so worries so i always took morning after pills.

I'm glad you wrote back, and even happier that you are having protected sex...yeah!!

Condoms really are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly every time, and help protect against many STDs, too. You are both making great healthy choices..great job!

How often are you using emergency contraception?

How old are you, as you can get a prescription for birth control pills without your parent's knowledge (depending on where you live, your age, etc), as your health is more important than any embarrassment (although, I know it doesn't feel like it, and I understand many parents would forbid a sexual relationship...so it gets complicated).

You can read more about Emergency Contraception at Planned Parenthood, or feel free to ask us more questions!

Well, by "safe" i mean my boyfriend always wear condome, but i just got paranoid. So far i haven't experience any change in my cycle, but i just can't help to think about this question. And yes, i will get a prescription later, it's a little bit embarrassing with your parents knowing it and all. Thanks though, your explanation really helps.

Aby Wu,
Yes, emergency contraception ("EC") can cause changes in your cycle, in which your next period is early or late; lighter or heavier. It can also cause "breakthrough bleeding" (basically, any bleeding that occurs in-between periods). You can think of EC as a "mega dose" of hormonal contraception, and these changes in your cycle do not cause any harm.

What symptoms are you currently experiencing?

No, you can not take EC "whenever", as there are specific criteria for it's success. In order for EC to be most effective it must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and not longer than 120 hours afterwards. It should not be used as a regular form of birth control, since there are higher doses of hormones...the regular pill is much better at regulating your hormone levels where they should be, while preventing pregnancy. "Always" taking EC can have side effects and can be risky if used on a regular basis, due to the larger dose of hormones that are not needed on a regular basis to prevent pregnancy. A much better (and safer) alternative is to use hormonal contraception designed for daily use (ie, the pill). Why are you reluctant to obtain a prescription for this (also...the pill is MUCH cheaper, too!).

Does that answer your questions, or did you have another definition of "whenever"? Please let me know if you still need additional information.

You mentioned that you are your boyfriend are "always safe", and I'm wondering what this means? Are you using barrier contraception (condoms) and/or hormonal contraception (pill, ring, etc) to have safer sex? If so, why were you feeling that you needed to also take EC?