Emergency Contraception: Your Questions Answered - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Emergency contraceptive pill


Hello Doctor, I have been consistently taking the contraceptive pill "Yueji" since March without missing any doses or taking them late.
My menstrual cycle is 28 days, and my period was from June 30 to July 3.
I took the first pill of the fifth pack of Yueji on July 5.
My boyfriend and I had unprotected intercourse on July 6 and 7, but he did not ejaculate inside me.
My questions are: 1.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? 2.
Is July 7 still considered within the safe period? 3.
I noticed some discharge around the ovulation period indicated by the app; is this a normal occurrence? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

K, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/13

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Since March, I have been consistently taking the contraceptive pill "Yueji" every month without missing any doses or taking them late.
My menstrual cycle is 28 days, and my period occurred from June 30 to July 3.
I took the first pill of the fifth pack of "Yueji" on July 5.
On July 6 and 7, my boyfriend and I had unprotected intercourse, but he did not ejaculate inside me.
My questions are: 1.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Answer: The chance of pregnancy is extremely low.
2.
Is July 7 still considered within the safe period? Answer: As long as I have been consistently taking "Yueji," it is considered a safe period.
3.
The app shows some discharge around the ovulation period; is this normal? Answer: Theoretically, ovulation should not occur.

Reply Date: 2019/07/13

More Info


Understanding emergency contraception and the nuances of menstrual cycles can be quite complex, especially when considering the timing of sexual activity and the use of contraceptive methods. Let's break down your questions one by one.

1. Pregnancy Risk After Unprotected Intercourse: Given that you have been consistently taking your contraceptive pill (悦己) without any missed doses, the likelihood of pregnancy from the unprotected intercourse on July 6 and 7 is quite low. Oral contraceptives, when taken correctly, are highly effective at preventing ovulation, which is the primary mechanism by which they prevent pregnancy. Since you mentioned that you had your period from June 30 to July 3 and started your new pack on July 5, you were still within the protective window of your contraceptive method. The risk of pregnancy increases significantly if you miss doses or take them irregularly, but since you have been diligent, your risk remains minimal.

2. Safety Period: The concept of a "safe period" is often misunderstood. The days immediately following your period are generally considered to be less fertile, especially if you have a regular 28-day cycle. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and ovulation can sometimes occur earlier than expected. In your case, since you were on the pill and had just started a new pack, you were still protected. Therefore, July 7 would still be considered a low-risk day for pregnancy, especially since you did not have unprotected intercourse during your fertile window.

3. Discharge Around Ovulation: It is normal to experience changes in vaginal discharge throughout your menstrual cycle. Many women notice an increase in clear, stretchy cervical mucus around the time of ovulation, which can be a sign of fertility. This is a normal physiological response and does not necessarily indicate any issues. If you are noticing some discharge around your predicted ovulation period, this is typical and can vary from cycle to cycle.

In summary, based on the information you provided, the chances of pregnancy from the unprotected intercourse on July 6 and 7 are low due to your consistent use of the contraceptive pill. You were likely still within a safe period, and the discharge you are experiencing is a normal part of your menstrual cycle.
If you have further concerns about your contraceptive method or any unusual symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and reassurance based on your specific health needs. Additionally, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you are unsure about contraceptive effectiveness after unprotected intercourse, emergency contraception is an option that can be considered, but it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event.

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