Is Taking ELLA Emergency Contraceptive Effective After Unprotected Sex?

If you had unprotected intercourse on July 3rd, taking ELLA (ulipristal acetate) emergency contraceptive pill is effective within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. If you are still within that time frame, it is advisable to take the pill as soon as possible for optimal effectiveness?

1.
Taking emergency contraception on July 5th after unprotected intercourse on July 3rd can still be effective, as emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours.
However, their effectiveness decreases the longer you wait.
2.
Emergency contraception can cause side effects, including hormonal changes that may lead to acne or other skin issues in some individuals.
However, not everyone will experience these side effects, and they can vary from person to person.

JOA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/05

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should be fine within 48 hours, and generally, there shouldn't be any skin issues.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/07/05

More Info

Taking ELLA (ulipristal acetate) as an emergency contraceptive can be effective after unprotected sex, but its efficacy is time-sensitive. ELLA is designed to prevent pregnancy when taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. The sooner you take it after the incident, the more effective it is.
In your case, since you had unprotected sex on the evening of July 3 and took ELLA on July 5, you are still within the effective window. Research indicates that ELLA can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 85% when taken within this timeframe. However, it is important to note that while ELLA is effective, it is not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. The failure rate is approximately 2-3%, meaning there is still a small chance of becoming pregnant even after taking the medication.

Regarding your second question about the potential side effects of ELLA, including the development of acne or other skin issues, it is important to understand that hormonal medications can sometimes lead to changes in skin condition. ELLA works by delaying ovulation and altering the uterine lining, which can result in side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, and abdominal pain. While some individuals may experience skin changes, such as acne, this is not a universally reported side effect of ELLA.
Hormonal fluctuations caused by emergency contraceptives can affect individuals differently. Some may notice an increase in acne or other skin conditions due to hormonal changes, while others may not experience any skin issues at all. If you have a history of acne or are prone to skin problems, it might be worth monitoring your skin condition after taking ELLA. If you notice significant changes or if acne becomes a concern, consulting a healthcare provider would be advisable.

In summary, taking ELLA after unprotected sex on July 3 is still effective as you took it within the recommended timeframe. While there is a possibility of side effects, including skin issues, these vary from person to person. If you have further concerns about side effects or the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Effectiveness of Ella Emergency Contraceptive Pill After Unprotected Sex

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if unprotected intercourse occurs on the day of ovulation or the day before, is taking the emergency contraceptive pill Ella effective if taken within 24 hours afterward? If it is not effective, what other methods can be used to prevent pregnan...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You can take emergency contraception pills or get an intrauterine device (IUD) as soon as possible, both of which are effective for emergency contraception. However, it is not highly recommended for women who have never given birth to have an IUD inserted. Sincerely, Dr. Lu Li-Ch...

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Multiple Intercourse

After having unprotected intercourse on May 22, you took emergency contraception (Ella). After taking it, you had unprotected intercourse again, and then another time the following day. Is the emergency contraceptive still effective in this situation? What is the likelihood of pr...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, after one or multiple instances of sexual intercourse, emergency contraception remains effective, provided that all sexual acts occurred within 72 hours prior to taking the medication. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr. Zhang.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Intercourse

Hello, doctor: I had unprotected intercourse on the morning of August 4th and realized it was during my fertile period, so I took the emergency contraceptive pill Ella that evening. I had intercourse again from August 13th to August 15th, initially without a condom and then used ...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Reply still has some effect. Dr. Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Effectiveness of Ella After Ovulation: What You Need to Know

Hello, I learned online that Ella is effective for emergency contraception by inhibiting ovulation. I would like to ask if having unprotected intercourse during the ovulation period or after ovulation, and then taking Ella afterward, is still effective? Thank you.

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 90%. It is best to take preventive measures beforehand. Wishing you good health.