Are Emergency Contraceptives Effective After Condom Failure?

Could birth control pills be ineffective?

Hello doctor, this morning I had intercourse with my boyfriend using a condom, but I found out that it broke.
I took emergency contraception (Ella) within an hour.
Later, I realized that I am currently in my ovulation period.
Is the emergency contraception still effective? I also discovered the broken pieces of the condom inside my body two hours later and removed them.
Will this have any impact?

Chi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/06

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, as long as there are active sperm in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is still a possibility of pregnancy regardless of the method.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/03/06

More Info

Emergency contraceptives (ECs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a condom breaking. In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) within one hour of discovering the condom failure, you have taken the right steps to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Emergency contraceptives like Ella (ulipristal acetate) or Plan B (levonorgestrel) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. They work primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. If you are in your ovulation period, the effectiveness of the ECP may be slightly reduced, but it is still likely to provide some level of protection. Studies show that ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, and they can be effective up to 120 hours after, depending on the type of pill used.

Regarding the fragments of the broken condom that were inside your body for two hours, this should not significantly impact the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive. The primary concern with condom failure is the potential for sperm to enter the vagina, which can lead to fertilization if ovulation has occurred. Since you took the ECP promptly, it should still work to prevent pregnancy.

It is important to note that while emergency contraceptives are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. If your period is delayed by more than a week after your expected date, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In terms of side effects, some women may experience nausea, fatigue, headache, or changes in their menstrual cycle after taking an emergency contraceptive. These are generally temporary and should resolve on their own. If you have any concerns or experience severe side effects, it is best to consult a healthcare provider.

In summary, taking the emergency contraceptive shortly after the condom failure, especially during your ovulation period, is a proactive step to prevent pregnancy. While the effectiveness may vary slightly based on timing and your menstrual cycle, you have maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy by acting quickly. If you have further concerns or questions about your reproductive health, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effectiveness After Condom Failure

If a condom broke during intercourse with your girlfriend and you immediately washed the external area, and then took emergency contraception (Levonorgestrel) within three hours, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken a...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the probability should be low. Wishing you good health.

Is Emergency Contraception Effective After Condom Failure During Ovulation?

On the first day of ovulation, there was penetration a few times, and I noticed a small hole in the tip of the condom. After that, we stopped. The next day, I took the emergency contraceptive pill. Is the emergency contraceptive pill effective? What are the chances of pregnancy?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

Emergency Contraception: Understanding Risks After Condom Failure

On June 18, my girlfriend started her period. On June 26, we had sexual intercourse, but when we were about to withdraw for external ejaculation, I discovered a large tear in the condom, which really shocked me. We have always been very careful and attentive, always using condoms...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Taking emergency contraceptive pills has an effectiveness of about 80%. 2. If the condom breaks, it renders the condom ineffective. 3. Withdrawal method (coitus interruptus) also has poor contraceptive effectiveness. 4. In summary, there should still be over 80% effectiv...

Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Condom Failure: What You Need to Know

On September 26 at 7:00 PM, sexual intercourse occurred with a condom, but it broke upon penetration. The condom was immediately removed and replaced with a new one. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? If I take emergency contraception in the morning of Februar...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the description suggests there is a possibility of conception, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. Emergency contraception can be used as a remedy, but its effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. The failure rate for using condoms throughout int...