Can You Still Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

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

On July 24, I had intercourse with my boyfriend, and there was ejaculation inside during my ovulation period.
The next day at noon, I took an emergency contraceptive pill (one tablet) within 72 hours.
On the morning of August 1, I took a pregnancy test at the obstetrics and gynecology clinic, which showed negative results.
An abdominal ultrasound was also performed, which indicated no pregnancy.
The doctor prescribed menstrual medication.
Is this accurate in confirming that I am not pregnant? (Previously, I found out I was pregnant almost two months later.)

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

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test is usually reliable after 12 days post-conception.
The chances of pregnancy are low, so it's best to use contraception beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/08/02

More Info

When considering the question of whether you can still get pregnant after taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to understand how these medications work and their effectiveness. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) and Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours for Plan B and up to 120 hours for Ella.

In your case, you had unprotected intercourse during your ovulation period, which is when you are most fertile. Taking an ECP the following day was a proactive step to prevent pregnancy. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait to take them after unprotected sex, but since you took it within the recommended time frame, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy.

The fact that you took a pregnancy test on August 1st, which showed a negative result, is a good indication that you are not pregnant. Most home pregnancy tests are accurate when taken at least one week after a missed period, but since you took the test shortly after the potential conception window, it is likely that the test was accurate. Additionally, the abdominal ultrasound performed by your doctor, which also showed no signs of pregnancy, further supports this conclusion.

It's worth noting that ECPs do not terminate an existing pregnancy; they work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. If ovulation has already occurred and fertilization has taken place, ECPs are unlikely to be effective.

Regarding your concern about future pregnancies, taking ECPs does not affect your long-term fertility. You can still conceive in future cycles after taking emergency contraception. If you are planning to conceive later, it is advisable to track your menstrual cycle and ovulation to optimize your chances of becoming pregnant when you are ready.

In summary, based on the information provided, it appears that you are not pregnant after taking the emergency contraceptive pill and receiving a negative pregnancy test along with an ultrasound. If you have further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and reassurance. Remember that while ECPs are a reliable option for preventing pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, they should not be used as a regular form of contraception. Regular contraceptive methods are more effective for ongoing pregnancy prevention.

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