Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello Doctor, I have been with my girlfriend for almost three months.
In the first couple of weeks, we started having unprotected sex with ejaculation inside.
My girlfriend was worried about getting pregnant, so she took emergency contraception once, but she hasn't taken it again since then, and we have had intercourse many times since.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy after this? Also, will taking the emergency contraception just once have any health or physiological effects? Thank you, Doctor, for your help.

Xiao Hou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/30

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills 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.
Please ensure to practice regular contraception.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/10/30

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy risks after unprotected intercourse, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that any time unprotected intercourse occurs, there is a possibility of pregnancy. This risk is particularly heightened during a woman's fertile window, which typically spans from about five days before ovulation to the day of ovulation itself. Ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before the start of a woman's next menstrual period, but this can vary based on individual menstrual cycles.

In your situation, since you mentioned that you and your girlfriend have had unprotected intercourse multiple times, the risk of pregnancy remains present, especially if she is in her fertile window. The fact that she took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") once does provide some level of protection against pregnancy from that specific incident, but it does not guarantee that she is protected from subsequent acts of unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be taken up to 5 days after, with decreasing effectiveness.

Regarding your concern about health and physiological impacts from taking emergency contraception, it is important to note that while emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are generally safe for most women, they are not intended for regular use. Frequent use of emergency contraception can lead to menstrual irregularities, such as changes in cycle length, heavier or lighter periods, and increased cramping. It is also worth noting that ECPs do not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy; they are designed for occasional use in emergencies.

If your girlfriend is experiencing any unusual symptoms or if her menstrual cycle becomes significantly irregular, it would be advisable for her to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and may recommend a more reliable form of contraception for the future, such as hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or other methods that suit her lifestyle and health needs.

In summary, while the use of emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it is not a foolproof method, especially if unprotected sex continues to occur. The best way to prevent unintended pregnancies is to use a reliable form of contraception consistently. If you and your girlfriend are sexually active, discussing and choosing a suitable contraceptive method together can help alleviate concerns about pregnancy and contribute to a healthier sexual relationship.

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