Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse Before Ovulation

Unprotected ejaculation the day before ovulation?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the likelihood of pregnancy.
I had unprotected intercourse the day before ovulation and took emergency contraception (Plan B) 25 hours later.
The sexual activity occurred on February 28, and my menstrual cycle is regular, with my next period expected around March 14.
What is the chance of becoming pregnant? Thank you!

Chen Xiao Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Having unprotected intercourse the day before ovulation and taking emergency contraception (Plan B) 25 hours later generally results in a lower probability of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2018/03/11

More Info

When considering the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, especially during the ovulation period, it's essential to understand the timing of ovulation and the effectiveness of emergency contraception. Based on your timeline, you had unprotected intercourse on February 28, and your next expected menstrual period is around March 14.
Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period in a regular cycle. If we assume your cycle is around 28 days, ovulation would likely occur around March 1 or 2. Since you had intercourse the day before ovulation, there is a possibility that sperm could fertilize an egg if ovulation occurred shortly after. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that having unprotected intercourse just before ovulation can indeed lead to pregnancy.

You mentioned taking emergency contraception (Plan B, known as Anliting in your case) within 25 hours after intercourse. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. The effectiveness of Plan B decreases the longer you wait, but it can still reduce the risk of pregnancy significantly if taken within the recommended time frame. Studies suggest that Plan B can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.

Given that you took the emergency contraception within a day, you have taken a proactive step to reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, it is important to note that no method of contraception is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy, especially since you were close to your ovulation window.

In addition to the timing of intercourse and the use of emergency contraception, other factors can influence the likelihood of pregnancy, such as your overall health, hormonal balance, and any underlying medical conditions. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, tracking your ovulation can help you better understand your fertile window in the future.

If your next period is delayed beyond the expected date, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider would be beneficial for personalized advice and support.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy due to the timing of intercourse relative to ovulation, taking emergency contraception promptly significantly reduces that risk. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and being aware of your ovulation can help you make informed decisions about contraception in the future.

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