Do You Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Intercourse?

Is there a need to take emergency contraception?

Menstrual period: 11/17-11/22, 12/25-12/30, 01/28-02/02.
The next expected menstrual period is from 03/01 to 03/06.
Intercourse occurred on 02/27 without a condom, but there was no ejaculation inside.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Is there a need to take emergency contraception? Thank you for your assistance, doctor.

C, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/27

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the irregularity of your menstrual cycle recently has made ovulation timing uncertain.
Even if ejaculation did not occur during intercourse, there is still a possibility of conception, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
It is advisable to consider using emergency contraception; however, please note that the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
If your period is more than a week late, it is important to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2020/02/27

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you need emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse, it’s essential to consider several factors, including the timing of your menstrual cycle, the nature of the intercourse, and the effectiveness of any contraceptive methods you may have been using.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period was from January 28 to February 2, and you expect your next period around March 1 to March 6. You had unprotected intercourse on February 27, but there was no ejaculation inside the vagina. This detail is crucial because while the risk of pregnancy is lower without ejaculation, it is not entirely eliminated. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and thus, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.

The timing of your cycle is also significant. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period. Given your expected period is around March 1 to March 6, ovulation would likely have occurred around mid-February. Since February 27 is close to this ovulation window, the risk of pregnancy could be higher, especially if you have a shorter cycle.

Now, regarding the need for emergency contraception (EC), it is generally recommended to consider taking it if you have had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window, which includes the days leading up to and including ovulation. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after.

In your situation, since you had unprotected intercourse just before your expected ovulation, it would be prudent to take emergency contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Even though there was no ejaculation, the presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate fluid means that taking EC is a safer option to ensure you are protected.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy may not be extremely high due to the lack of ejaculation, the timing of your intercourse relative to your ovulation makes it advisable to take emergency contraception. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to reproductive health. If you have any further questions or concerns, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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