Emergency Contraception: Timing and Pregnancy Risks

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about my situation.
My last menstrual period was from September 28 to October 3.
I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on October 9 in the afternoon, but he did not ejaculate inside me.
Since the app calculated that it was a fertile window, I took the emergency contraceptive pill (ella) on the evening of October 11.
I would like to know, since I took the emergency contraceptive pill more than 48 hours but within 72 hours after intercourse, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? If I need to take a pregnancy test, should I wait about two weeks after the date of intercourse to test? Thank you!

Ms. Tsai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills within 48 hours for better effectiveness.
Generally, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception to yield accurate results, as the chance of pregnancy is low.
It is best to use preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/10/12

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. In your case, you had unprotected sex on October 9 and took the emergency contraceptive pill (ella) on October 11, which is within the recommended time frame for its effectiveness.

Ella, which contains ulipristal acetate, is effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. It works primarily by delaying ovulation, which means that if you take it before ovulation occurs, it can prevent the egg from being released. Since you took the pill within 72 hours, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and the effectiveness can vary based on the timing of ovulation in your cycle.

Regarding your question about the likelihood of pregnancy, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill within the appropriate time frame, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced, but not eliminated. The effectiveness of ella is about 85% when taken within the recommended time frame. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to wait at least two weeks after the date of unprotected intercourse to take a home pregnancy test. This timing allows for accurate detection of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine, which indicates pregnancy.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your menstrual cycle after taking the emergency contraceptive, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide further guidance and support, including options for regular contraception to prevent future unintended pregnancies.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy after taking ella is reduced, it is not completely eliminated. Waiting two weeks after the date of unprotected intercourse to take a pregnancy test is the best approach for accurate results. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

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