Can I Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

Can I get pregnant?

I would like to consult a doctor.
I discovered I was pregnant on April 10 and underwent a medical abortion (less than a month pregnant).
On April 22, I had intercourse with my partner, and although penetration occurred, he withdrew before ejaculation.
I am concerned because I noticed an increase in my vaginal discharge, which makes me worry that it coincided with my ovulation period.
Therefore, I went to the pharmacy and took Plan B (emergency contraception) eight hours after the intercourse.
Five hours after taking the emergency contraception, I had intercourse again with my partner, which also involved penetration but was followed by withdrawal.
I would like to ask the doctor if taking the emergency contraception is effective in this situation.
After taking the emergency contraception, do I need to take another dose after the second sexual encounter?

Silvia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/24

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On April 10, an embryo was discovered (pregnancy less than a month), and a medical abortion was performed.
On April 22, I had intercourse with my partner, and although penetration occurred, ejaculation was external.
I am concerned because I noticed an increase in my vaginal discharge, which makes me worry that it coincides with my ovulation period.
Therefore, I went to the pharmacy 8 hours after the intercourse to purchase and take Plan B (emergency contraception).
Five hours after taking it, I had intercourse again with my partner, which also involved vaginal penetration and external ejaculation.
I would like to ask the doctor if taking the emergency contraception is effective in this situation? After taking the emergency contraception, do I need to take another dose after the second sexual encounter?
Answer: Yes, taking the emergency contraception is effective.
After taking the emergency contraception, there is no need to take another dose after the second sexual encounter.

Reply Date: 2018/04/24

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception, it’s important to understand how it works and its effectiveness. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B or Ella, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, which means that if you take them before ovulation occurs, they can effectively prevent an egg from being fertilized. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of ECPs diminishes significantly.

In your case, you mentioned that you had a medical abortion on April 10 and then had unprotected intercourse on April 22, followed by taking emergency contraception shortly after. Since you were concerned about being in your ovulation period, taking the emergency contraceptive pill was a prudent decision. The effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 120 hours after.

Regarding your question about whether you need to take another dose of the emergency contraceptive pill after the second instance of intercourse, it is generally recommended to take ECPs after each instance of unprotected intercourse if you are still within the effective time frame. Since you had intercourse again five hours after taking the emergency contraceptive, it would be advisable to take another dose if you are still within the recommended time frame for that specific medication.

It’s also worth noting that while emergency contraceptive pills are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Factors such as timing in relation to your ovulation cycle and how soon you took the pill after intercourse can influence the outcome. If you have concerns about potential pregnancy, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test a few weeks after the last unprotected intercourse or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In terms of your overall reproductive health, if you find yourself frequently needing emergency contraception, it might be beneficial to discuss long-term contraceptive options with your healthcare provider. There are various methods available, including hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants, which can provide more reliable protection against unintended pregnancies.

Lastly, if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, potential pregnancy, or the effects of emergency contraception on your body, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and support based on your specific circumstances.

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