She should also use condoms for the next seven days. A woman who wants an IUD for ongoing contraception can have it inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse in place of taking ECPs. Injectables and implants can be started within seven days after the beginning of the next menstrual cycle. The woman should use condoms until then. Couples who want to use a fertility awareness-based method such as periodic abstinence may need to abstain or use condoms at first and wait one or two cycles until the woman s menstrual cycle becomes regular.
All guidelines also apply to switching to another method after regular use of oral contraceptives.
Most important is to see that the woman gets the pills and knows how to take them. Let her know that you understand her needs, you will not judge her behavior, and you will keep her visit confidential. 2 Ask when unprotected sex took place. ECPs should be started as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. 3 Give the woman the pills.