Can Emergency Contraceptives Prevent Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex?

Can pregnancy occur despite using contraception?

On May 31st at 5:30 PM, I had intercourse with my girlfriend without a condom and I'm unsure if there was ejaculation inside.
Later, we had intercourse again with a condom and I ejaculated inside the condom.
My girlfriend is worried about pregnancy and took emergency contraception.
Between 12 AM and 1 AM, we had intercourse again without a condom but did not ejaculate.
Is the emergency contraception still effective? When is the best time to take a pregnancy test for accurate results?

wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/01

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraception is still effective.
Generally, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception to get accurate results.
The chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to use preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/06/01

More Info

Emergency contraceptives (EC) can indeed prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, but their effectiveness depends on several factors, including the timing of administration relative to ovulation and the type of emergency contraceptive used. In your case, since your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill after the unprotected intercourse, it is important to understand how these medications work and when to take a pregnancy test for accurate results.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent ovulation. If taken within 72 hours (Plan B) or up to 120 hours (Ella) after unprotected sex, they can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of these pills diminishes. In your situation, since your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive after the first instance of unprotected sex, it is likely that it will still provide some level of protection against pregnancy, especially if she took it within the recommended time frame.

Regarding your question about whether the emergency contraceptive is still effective after subsequent sexual encounters, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of the pill does not diminish with additional sexual activity after taking it, as long as it was taken promptly after the initial unprotected encounter. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the chances of preventing pregnancy decrease.

As for when to take a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait at least one week after the expected date of your girlfriend's next period for the most accurate results. This is because pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Testing too early may result in a false negative, as hCG levels may not be high enough to detect.

In summary, emergency contraceptives can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, and your girlfriend's use of the pill is a proactive step. The timing of the pill relative to ovulation is crucial for its effectiveness. If you are concerned about potential pregnancy, waiting until at least a week after the missed period to take a pregnancy test will provide the most reliable results. If there are any uncertainties or if your girlfriend experiences unusual symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance is advisable.

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