[Question #9434] Emergency Contraceptive

32 months ago

Hello,

I’m not sure if it is okay to ask this question, but I wanted to ask trusted experts.

My partner and I had unprotected sex. She felt she needed the Plan B, so she took it 30 minutes or so after sex. We then had unprotected sex again an hour or so later. My question is, will the emergency contraceptive work the same way for the second act of unprotected sex? I understand it is “the morning after pill,” but will it still be effective if taken an hour before sex?

Will the EC work for both instances of unprotected sex? I’m assuming it doesn’t work by per sex act, either, but again, I want to be absolutely sure we have correct information (My partner has severe OCD, so she worries about these things a lot, so I’m going to suggest condoms or another form of BC from now on).

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

32 months ago

Welcome back to the forum. Unfortunately I really can't help very much. We only address STIs and HIV, not other aspects of sexual health, contraception, etc. While I am no expert in hormonal contraception, I'm sure EC is effective for both exposures -- the drugs remain in the system for many hours, or even a couple of days; and should be effective when taken an hour before a sexual exposure. However, regardless of your partner's OCD, nobody should rely primarily on Plan B or other forms of EC as their primary means of avoiding pregnancy. I certainly endorse your idea of condoms, but even condoms are not completely reliable in pregnancy prevention. Your partner should get onto a proper contraceptive, like birth control pills -- AND also use condoms to prevent STIs, including herpes (if your partner is the same person you discussed with Terri two weeks ago). (I also agree with everything she said.)

I hope these brief comments are helpful. Let me know if you have any concerns about HIV or other STIs.

HHH, MD

---
---
---
---

32 months ago

Thanks for your help. You all have been very helpful.

Happy Holidays.

32 months ago

I do have a question about HPV as well. I noticed on this forum that skin tags were mentioned. I had a skin tag (at least I believe it was. It was “flappy” and I could move it as the skin was slightly “hanging”) at the bottom of the shaft where the pubic area meets. I get a lot skin folds there. It went away, but I’ve noticed there is a slightly darker than skin colored spot where it used to be. It is not raised and it’s barely visibly unless under light. Is this something I should be worried about?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

32 months ago

From this description, almost certainly you had just a skin tag, as you already figured out. Of course I cannot diagnose anything based on a written description; if you remain concerned, you'll have to see a health care provider for direct examination. But I see no reason to be suspicious it actually is a wart. ---

32 months ago

Last question.. what does a genital wart typically look like? Will it always be raised a little bit off of the skin or can it be in line with the skin? I’ve seen pictures online and it doesn’t look like a wart.

I will probably get this looked at. I believe I remember a doctor once telling me it was a skin tag years ago, but that tag is no longer there, it’s almost like a slightly darker piece of skin that is shiny when a light (such as a flashlight) is close to it.

32 months ago

To add: it almost looks like a small, circular scar.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

32 months ago

This doesn't sound abnormal -- maybe just a normal variation in skin appearance. But you're on the right track to get a professional opinion if you remain concerned.

Typical warts are "cauliflower"-like, but appearances can be quite variable. Google something like "genital wart photos" to see hundreds of examples.

That completes the two follow-up exchanges included with each question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.

---