How Likely Am I to Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex Post-Ovulation?

The probability of becoming pregnant after having intercourse two days after ovulation is relatively low, but not impossible. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and if ovulation occurs shortly after intercourse, there is still a chance of fertilization. However, the likelihood decreases significantly as time passes after ovulation. If you are

Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about my last menstrual period, which was from December 21 to December 27.
The app indicates that my ovulation period was on January 6, but I had unprotected intercourse on the night of January 8.
I took the emergency contraceptive pill in the afternoon of January 9.
My expected period was on January 20, but it has been delayed for four days.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Shan'er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/24

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Shan,
Emergency contraception is recommended to be taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, and the sooner it is taken, the better the effectiveness.
However, it is important to note that the contraceptive effect is not 100%.
If your period is delayed by more than a week, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test.
For any other questions, it is recommended to consult with a gynecologist.

Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2021/01/24

More Info

After unprotected sex, especially during the ovulation period, there is a significant chance of becoming pregnant. In your case, since your last menstrual period was from December 21 to December 27 and you ovulated around January 6, having unprotected intercourse on January 8 puts you within the fertile window. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurred shortly after your intercourse, there is a possibility of fertilization.

You mentioned that you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") shortly after the unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after. The effectiveness of these pills can vary, but they generally reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% when taken correctly.

Now, regarding your delayed period: it is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be irregular after taking emergency contraception. The hormones in these pills can disrupt your normal cycle, leading to a delay in your next period. It is also important to note that stress and other factors can contribute to changes in your menstrual cycle.

Given that your period is already four days late, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is positive, it would confirm that you are pregnant. If it is negative and your period does not arrive soon, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy after unprotected sex during your fertile window, taking emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. However, the hormonal changes from the emergency contraception may also affect your menstrual cycle, leading to a delayed period. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or have further questions, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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