Emergency Contraception: Assessing Pregnancy Risk After Unprotected Intercourse - Obstetrics and Gynecology

More Info

---

Emergency contraception (EC) is a crucial option for individuals who have had unprotected intercourse and wish to prevent an unintended pregnancy. In your case, you had unprotected sex on June 28, and you took two doses of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) within a short time frame. Let's break down the situation and assess the pregnancy risk.

Firstly, it's important to understand how emergency contraception works. ECPs, such as Plan B (Levonorgestrel) or Ella (Ulipristal Acetate), are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. They primarily work by delaying ovulation, which means they prevent the ovary from releasing an egg. If ovulation has already occurred, ECPs may be less effective, but they do not terminate an existing pregnancy.

Given your menstrual cycle, which is approximately 30 days, and the calculated ovulation date of June 24, it is possible that you were in your fertile window during the time of intercourse. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you ovulated shortly after intercourse, there is a chance of pregnancy. However, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill within half an hour of the unprotected intercourse, and again 25 hours later, you significantly reduced your chances of becoming pregnant.

The effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, with Levonorgestrel being about 89% effective when taken within this time frame. Ulipristal Acetate is effective up to 120 hours after intercourse and is generally considered more effective than Levonorgestrel, especially closer to the time of ovulation. Since you took the ECPs promptly, you have maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy.

Regarding the likelihood of pregnancy, while it is difficult to provide a precise percentage, the combination of taking two doses of ECPs shortly after unprotected intercourse significantly lowers the risk. If you experience any unusual symptoms or a missed period in the coming weeks, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of your ovulation and unprotected intercourse, taking emergency contraception as you did greatly reduces that risk. It is always a good practice to use regular contraception methods to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future. If you have further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.