Pregnancy Chances with Emergency Contraception Use - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Pregnancy probability


Hello Doctor: I previously asked a similar question but would like to confirm the probability of pregnancy.
I recently started taking my first pack of the oral contraceptive pill "Kiryian." My period started on the 16th, and I began taking the first pill on the evening of the fifth day of my period, which was the 20th.
However, I only took 6 pills (up to the 26th) before having sexual intercourse (initially without a condom, but later used a condom for ejaculation).
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant in this situation? If I am concerned about pregnancy, when would be the best time to take a pregnancy test?

Amanda, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/03

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, you should not be pregnant, so don't worry.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/04/03

More Info


When considering the chances of pregnancy after using emergency contraception and the timing of pregnancy tests, it's essential to understand how these contraceptive methods work and the factors that influence their effectiveness.

Emergency contraception (EC) is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The most common forms of EC include hormonal pills, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (Ella), which are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The effectiveness of these pills decreases the longer you wait to take them after the incident.
In your case, you mentioned starting a birth control pill (likely a combined oral contraceptive) on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle. While birth control pills are effective at preventing pregnancy, they typically take about 7 days of consistent use to reach their full contraceptive effect. Since you had unprotected intercourse shortly after starting the pill, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially if you did not use a condom during the initial intercourse.

The risk of pregnancy in this scenario depends on several factors:
1. Timing of Intercourse: If you had unprotected sex before the pill had a chance to take effect, there is a risk of pregnancy.

2. Ovulation Timing: If your cycle is regular and you ovulate around the midpoint of your cycle, having unprotected sex during your fertile window increases the chances of conception.

3. Contraceptive Use: Since you started taking the pill on the fifth day of your cycle, it is crucial to consider that it may not have provided immediate protection against pregnancy during that initial period.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test is typically about one week after the date of your expected period. This timing allows for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy, to reach detectable levels in your urine. If you take the test too early, you may receive a false negative result.

In summary, while the use of birth control pills significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy, there is still a risk if they were not taken consistently or if unprotected intercourse occurred before the pills became effective. If you have concerns about potential pregnancy, wait until at least a week after your expected period to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate results. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure about your contraceptive methods or have further questions, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effectiveness After Unprotected Sex

If I had sexual intercourse on June 4th and took a single dose of emergency contraception immediately afterward, is there still a chance of becoming pregnant?


Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On June 4th, sexual intercourse occurred, and the emergency contraceptive pill was taken immediately afterward. With just one dose of the emergency contraceptive, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: The chance of pregnancy is 5-10%.

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Understanding Emergency Contraception: Risks and Effectiveness Explained

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the probability of pregnancy should be low; the effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 95%. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Emergency Contraception: Risks and Effectiveness Explained


Understanding the 15-20% Pregnancy Risk After Emergency Contraception

Hello, doctor! I took the emergency contraceptive pill, Anliting, within an hour and a half, and it was during a non-ovulatory period. Why is there still a 15-20% chance of pregnancy? I hope you can take some time to answer; I'm feeling very anxious right now.


Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Taking emergency contraception (Plan B) within half an hour and during a non-ovulatory period still results in a 15-20% chance of pregnancy. The reason is that the effectiveness of emergency contraception is only 70-80%, which means there is a 20-30% chance of becoming pregnant. ...

[Read More] Understanding the 15-20% Pregnancy Risk After Emergency Contraception


Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Intercourse

Doctor, I have a question: My husband and I had unprotected intercourse, and 5 hours later, I took Plan B (emergency contraceptive pill). My period app indicated that day had a high probability of pregnancy and ovulation. What is the success rate of the emergency contraceptive pi...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the failure rate of emergency contraceptive pills is 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

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