Can You Still Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Is it still possible to get pregnant after taking the emergency contraceptive pill?

On July 24, I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend, and he ejaculated inside me.
The next day at noon, I took the emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours.
On August 1, I took a pregnancy test and had an abdominal ultrasound, both of which showed no signs of pregnancy.
I also had my period afterward.
Is this accurate in confirming that I am not pregnant? I previously had a situation where it took almost two months to test positive for pregnancy!

Xiao Xin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/02

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical consultation but rather a remedial course in sexual education.
For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation Guide for Adolescent Contraception" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception taken within 72 hours after intercourse is about 97%, but it is not 100%, with a failure rate of approximately 3%.
Additionally, it can be difficult to determine pregnancy in the early stages.
It is advised that if your period is more than a week late, you should still check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2016/08/02

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can still get pregnant after taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), the answer is generally yes, you can still get pregnant after taking ECPs, but it largely depends on the timing of your menstrual cycle and when you took the pills.
Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) and Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, which means that if you take them before ovulation occurs, they can effectively prevent the egg from being fertilized. However, if ovulation has already occurred, ECPs may not be effective.

In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on July 24 and took the emergency contraceptive pill the next day. Since you took the pill within 72 hours, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy. Following that, you took a pregnancy test on August 1, which came back negative, and you also had your period afterward. These are good signs that the ECP was effective.

It's important to note that while ECPs are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. The effectiveness can vary based on several factors, including your body weight, the timing of the pill in relation to your ovulation, and how soon after intercourse you took the pill.
Regarding your concern about the accuracy of the pregnancy test, home pregnancy tests are generally very reliable when used correctly, especially when taken after a missed period. If you had a normal menstrual cycle following the use of the ECP, it is a strong indication that you are not pregnant. However, if you have irregular cycles or if you continue to have concerns, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while you can still get pregnant after taking emergency contraceptive pills, the fact that you took the pill promptly, received a negative pregnancy test, and had your period suggests that you are likely not pregnant. If you have any lingering doubts or experience unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and reassurance.

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