Pregnancy Chances After Intercourse and Emergency Contraception

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello doctor, my last menstrual period ended on January 28.
I had no sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on February 7, but there was about a minute of friction between his glans and my vagina, with no obvious ejaculation.
On February 8 (which my app indicates is ovulation day), I took emergency contraception.
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant in this situation?

Gua, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/15

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Gua,
It is recommended to take emergency contraception within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
While this contraceptive method has a high efficacy rate, it is not 100% effective and may disrupt your menstrual cycle.
If your period is delayed by a week or more, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test.
For any other concerns, please consult a gynecologist.

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

Reply Date: 2022/02/15

More Info

When considering the chances of pregnancy after engaging in sexual activity, especially when using emergency contraception, it is essential to understand the timing of ovulation, the effectiveness of the contraceptive method used, and the nature of the sexual activity itself.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period ended on January 28, and you had sexual contact on February 7, with ovulation predicted to occur on February 8 according to your app. The timing of ovulation is crucial because it is during this window that a woman is most fertile. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you had unprotected intercourse just before ovulation, there is a possibility that sperm could fertilize an egg once it is released.

However, you also indicated that there was no obvious ejaculation during the sexual activity. This is an important factor because pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, but the chances of pregnancy from this fluid are generally lower than from full ejaculation. Nevertheless, it is still possible for pregnancy to occur if viable sperm are present in the pre-ejaculate.

You took emergency contraception (EC) on February 8, which is a critical step in reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B or Ella, are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can be effective up to 5 days after. The effectiveness of EC decreases the longer you wait to take it after the unprotected intercourse. If taken correctly and within the appropriate time frame, emergency contraception can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy.

Given that you took the emergency contraception on the day of your predicted ovulation, it is likely that you have reduced your chances of becoming pregnant. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is still a small possibility of pregnancy, especially if ovulation occurred earlier than expected or if sperm were present in the pre-ejaculate.

To summarize, while the chances of pregnancy in your situation are not zero, taking emergency contraception on the day of your ovulation significantly lowers the risk. If you experience any symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period or unusual changes in your body, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additionally, if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or reproductive health, seeking advice from a gynecologist can provide you with personalized guidance and support.

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