Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraception

Q: Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraception

Hello Miss Anonymous： After reliable verification, emergency contraceptive pills are generally effective if taken within 48 hours after sexual intercourse, with a success rate between 90% and 95%. <br>I suggest you try not to worry too much; once your period is overdue, you can t

Probability of Pregnancy

You ovulated on August 8 and had intercourse on August 10.
Your last menstrual period started on July 25 and ended on July 31.
You took emergency contraception the day after intercourse at 1 PM, and you took it within 24 hours.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Your next period is expected on August 22, but after taking the emergency contraceptive, you have not experienced any bleeding, even though you feel like your period is coming but it hasn't arrived yet.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/20

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Miss Anonymous: After reliable verification, emergency contraceptive pills are generally effective if taken within 48 hours after sexual intercourse, with a success rate between 90% and 95%.
I suggest you try not to worry too much; once your period is overdue, you can take a urine test to know the result.
It is recommended to use regular preemptive contraceptive pills, which means taking one pill daily, and to minimize the use of emergency contraceptive pills, as they can sometimes affect the timing of your next menstrual cycle.

Reply Date: 2019/08/20

More Info

Understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, especially when emergency contraception (EC) is involved, is crucial for anyone who is sexually active. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse during your ovulation period, which is typically when the chances of conception are highest. The timing of your menstrual cycle suggests that you were indeed in a fertile window.

Emergency contraception, such as Plan B or similar pills, is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but can be effective up to 5 days after. Since you mentioned that you took the emergency contraceptive within 24 hours, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy.

However, it’s important to understand that while emergency contraception is effective, it is not 100% guaranteed. The effectiveness can vary based on several factors, including where you are in your menstrual cycle when you take it. If you were close to ovulation, the chances of pregnancy are higher, even with the use of EC.

Regarding your concern about not experiencing withdrawal bleeding after taking the emergency contraceptive, it’s essential to note that not all women will have this bleeding. Withdrawal bleeding can occur within a few days to a couple of weeks after taking the pill, but its absence does not necessarily indicate pregnancy. Some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking EC, including delayed periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or even skipped periods altogether.

If your next expected period is on August 22 and you do not get it, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally reliable and can provide you with a clearer answer regarding whether or not you are pregnant. If the test is positive, or if you have any symptoms of pregnancy (such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue), you should consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse during ovulation are significant, taking emergency contraception promptly can reduce that risk. The absence of withdrawal bleeding after taking EC is not uncommon and does not definitively indicate pregnancy. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and taking a pregnancy test if your period is late will provide you with the best information regarding your situation. If you have further concerns or questions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your health history and circumstances.

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