Do You Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Sex on Ovulation Day?

Should I take emergency contraception if I have unprotected intercourse within two days after ovulation?

The ovulation date according to the mobile app is April 24, and intercourse occurred during the fertile window on April 26.
The fertile window is from April 18 to April 27.
Should emergency contraception be taken?

A-Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/27

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical consultation but rather a refresher on sexual education credits.
For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Wellness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation for Adolescent Contraceptive Guidelines" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.

Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are not low.
It is advisable to quickly use emergency contraception methods (such as emergency contraceptive pills or an intrauterine device).
If your period is more than a week late, you should also take a urine test to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/04/27

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you need emergency contraception after unprotected sex during your ovulation period, it is essential to understand the timing of ovulation and the effectiveness of emergency contraception.

Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. If your app indicates that your ovulation day is April 24, and you had unprotected sex on April 26, you were indeed within your fertile window. The fertile window is generally considered to be the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. This means that having unprotected sex on April 26 could potentially lead to pregnancy, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and the egg is viable for about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

Given that you are in a high-risk period for conception, taking emergency contraception (EC) is advisable. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. There are two primary types of emergency contraception:
1. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step and others): This is a progestin-only pill that is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. It can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% if taken within this timeframe, but its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait.

2. Ulipristal Acetate (Ella): This is a prescription medication that can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. It is generally more effective than levonorgestrel, especially closer to the time of ovulation.

Since you had unprotected sex on April 26, and if you are still within the 72-hour window, you should consider taking levonorgestrel as soon as possible. If more than 72 hours have passed, you might want to opt for ulipristal acetate, provided you can obtain a prescription.

It is also important to note that while emergency contraception can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have concerns about STIs, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider for testing and further advice.

In summary, given that you had unprotected sex during your ovulation period, it is recommended that you take emergency contraception as soon as possible. If you are unsure or have further questions, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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