Emergency Contraception After Ovulation: What You Need to Know

Taking emergency contraception after ovulation?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question.
My menstrual cycle has not been very regular, so I downloaded an app to track my period and ovulation.
My menstrual periods were from October 6 to October 10 and from November 8 to November 13.
The app indicates that my ovulation period is on the 23rd.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on November 26, 27, and 28, and we used a condom.
However, on the 26th, I was unsure if my boyfriend's semen leaked or if it was my own discharge.
About 2 hours later, I went to the pharmacy and took the emergency contraceptive pill, Ella.
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant in this situation?

Jane, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/29

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is always best to take preventive measures beforehand.
Do not rely on the safe period.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/11/29

More Info

Emergency contraception is a crucial topic for anyone who is sexually active and wishes to prevent unintended pregnancies. Understanding how it works, especially in relation to ovulation, is essential for making informed decisions.

Understanding Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills: levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (ella). Both are effective but work in slightly different ways and have different time frames for effectiveness.

1. Timing of Ovulation: Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. If your cycle is irregular, it can be challenging to predict ovulation accurately. In your case, you mentioned that your app indicated ovulation around the 23rd of November, with sexual intercourse occurring on the 26th, 27th, and 28th. If ovulation occurred on the 23rd, there is a possibility that the egg could still be viable for fertilization for up to 24 hours after ovulation. Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if sperm were present during this time, there is a risk of pregnancy.

2. Effectiveness of Ella: You took ella approximately two hours after the potential risk of exposure. Ella is effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse and is particularly useful if taken closer to the time of ovulation. It works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, ella may not be effective in preventing pregnancy, but it can still alter the endometrial lining, making it less suitable for implantation.

Risk of Pregnancy
Given that you had intercourse on the 26th, which is three days after your predicted ovulation, the risk of pregnancy is present but not guaranteed. The effectiveness of ella in this scenario is still relatively high, especially since you took it promptly after the potential risk. However, it is important to note that no form of emergency contraception is 100% effective.

Additional Considerations
- Follow-Up: It is advisable to take a pregnancy test if your next period is late. This will help confirm whether or not you have become pregnant.

- Regular Contraceptive Methods: If you find yourself needing emergency contraception frequently, consider discussing regular contraceptive options with your healthcare provider. There are many effective methods available, including hormonal birth control, IUDs, and barrier methods.

- Consultation: If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, ovulation, or the effectiveness of emergency contraception, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and needs.

Conclusion
In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy after having unprotected intercourse close to ovulation, taking ella significantly reduces that risk. It is essential to monitor your menstrual cycle and consider regular contraceptive methods for future sexual activity. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for more tailored advice.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraception After Ovulation: What You Need to Know

Hello doctor, I had intercourse one day after ovulation and discovered that the condom broke. I took Plan B (Levonorgestrel) within 30 minutes, but later I read that the failure rate of Plan B is not low, and the effectiveness decreases when taken after ovulation. I would like to...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. However, it is not necessary to take them multiple times. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late. Thank you! Wishing you safety and he...

Can Taking Emergency Contraceptive After Ovulation Prevent Pregnancy?

If you take emergency contraception immediately after intercourse during ovulation on May 20, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is significantly reduced. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, especially within 72...

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Wan-Jhen, Taking an emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse is effective. However, if your period is delayed by a week, it is still recommended to take a pregnancy test. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Tzu-Fei, Department of Obstetrics an...

Emergency Contraception on Ovulation Day: Pregnancy Risk Explained

Having sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation, even without ejaculation but with a condom slipping off, and taking Ella (ulipristal acetate) emergency contraception immediately afterward, can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, the effectiveness of emergency ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you should never rely on the safe period for contraception. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills is about 90%, so the chance of pregnancy is low. It's best to use preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to...

Is Emergency Contraception Effective After Ovulation?

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on October 19, and after we finished, I discovered that the condom had broken. I took the emergency contraceptive pill, Ulipristal acetate, within 3-4 hours. However, according to my menstrual cycle tracking app, my estimat...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you can use emergency contraception, and the likelihood of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.