Do I Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex?

Can I get pregnant?

On November 27th, around 10 PM, there was unprotected intercourse.
The next day, around 5 PM, the girlfriend took emergency contraception.
On December 1st, around 3 PM, there was another incident of unprotected intercourse.
Should she take emergency contraception again? What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Slw, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/01

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On November 27th, around 10 PM, there was unprotected intercourse.
The next day, around 5 PM, the girlfriend took emergency contraception.
On December 1st, around 3 PM, there was another incident of unprotected intercourse.
Should she take emergency contraception again? Is the risk of pregnancy high? Answer: There is no need to take emergency contraception again.

Reply Date: 2018/12/01

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception (EC) and unprotected sex, it's crucial to understand the timing and effectiveness of the methods available. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on November 27 and took emergency contraception the following day. Then, you had another instance of unprotected intercourse on December 1.
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The two most common types of ECPs are levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) and ulipristal acetate (ella). Levonorgestrel is effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, while ulipristal acetate can be effective up to 120 hours. However, the sooner you take them, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

Given that you had unprotected sex again on December 1, it is advisable to take another dose of emergency contraception as soon as possible. The effectiveness of the first dose may not cover the second instance of unprotected intercourse, especially since the timing of the second incident falls outside the window of the first dose's effectiveness.
Regarding the likelihood of pregnancy, it is difficult to provide an exact percentage without knowing specific details about your girlfriend's menstrual cycle and ovulation timing. However, if she was ovulating during the time of unprotected sex, the chances of pregnancy increase significantly.
In summary, since you had unprotected sex again on December 1, you should take another emergency contraceptive as soon as possible. Additionally, if your girlfriend's menstrual period is delayed by more than a week after the expected date, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant.
It's also important to consider long-term contraceptive options if you and your girlfriend are sexually active and want to prevent unintended pregnancies. Regular contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, IUDs, or condoms, can provide more reliable protection than relying solely on emergency contraception.
Lastly, if you have ongoing concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it would be prudent for both you and your girlfriend to get tested, especially since unprotected sex carries risks beyond just pregnancy. Regular STI screenings are an essential part of maintaining sexual health.

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