Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Risks of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello, if a condom broke during intercourse and you took a single dose of the emergency contraceptive pill (like Plan B) within an hour after the first incident, but then had unprotected intercourse again and ejaculated inside, the likelihood of pregnancy is still present.
Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, but they do not guarantee prevention of pregnancy for subsequent acts of unprotected sex.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and to discuss additional contraceptive options.

Huang Jianzhong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

During intercourse, the condom broke, and after ejaculation, a single dose of emergency contraceptive pill (Levonorgestrel) was taken.
Within one hour after taking the pill, intercourse occurred again without a condom and ejaculation happened again.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this scenario?
Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is 10-15%.

Reply Date: 2017/06/03

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy after unprotected sex, especially in the context of using emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to consider several factors. In your situation, you experienced a condom failure during intercourse, followed by taking an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) like Plan B or Ella. You then had unprotected intercourse again shortly after taking the ECP.
First, let's clarify how emergency contraceptive pills work. ECPs are designed to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours for Plan B and up to 120 hours for Ella. However, their effectiveness diminishes the longer you wait to take them after the unprotected sex.

In your case, since you took the ECP after the first incident of unprotected sex, it may reduce the risk of pregnancy from that encounter. However, having unprotected sex again within an hour of taking the ECP poses a new risk. The ECP does not provide ongoing protection after it is taken; it only works for the incident that prompted its use. Therefore, the second instance of unprotected sex could lead to pregnancy if ovulation has already occurred or if sperm is present in the reproductive tract.

The likelihood of pregnancy after unprotected sex depends on several factors, including the timing of your menstrual cycle. If you were near ovulation when the condom broke, the chances of pregnancy are higher. Conversely, if you were in the luteal phase of your cycle (after ovulation), the risk may be lower, but not eliminated.

Additionally, the symptoms you might experience after taking an ECP can include nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and changes in your menstrual cycle. These symptoms are generally temporary and should resolve within a few days. However, if your next period is delayed by more than a week, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In summary, while taking an emergency contraceptive pill can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, it is not 100% effective. Engaging in unprotected sex again shortly after taking the ECP increases the risk of pregnancy. If you have concerns about pregnancy or your menstrual cycle following these events, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential follow-up care. They can provide you with more information on contraceptive options and help you navigate any anxiety you may have regarding this situation.

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