Pregnancy Risks: Safe Days and Emergency Contraception

What is the likelihood of getting pregnant?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about an incident.
My girlfriend and I had intercourse on May 15th at around 8:30 AM.
Her last menstrual period was from May 4th to May 11th.
I checked online using a safe period calculator, and it indicated that day was within the fertile window and ovulation period.
However, we used a condom throughout the intercourse, and I did not ejaculate.
We thought there was no need for emergency contraception, but later she expressed a desire to take it, so I bought it for her.
She took the emergency contraceptive pill (which is a second-generation pill) approximately 60 hours after the intercourse.
What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant? Also, it has been a day since she took the pill, and she has not experienced any symptoms.
Please take this seriously and respond.
Thank you for your hard work!

Xiao A, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/19

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of correctly using condoms throughout intercourse is still around 5%.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100% either, with a failure rate of about 3%.
However, it is still considered a good backup method.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2023/05/19

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy risks, safe days, and the use of emergency contraception, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of intercourse, the menstrual cycle, and the effectiveness of the contraceptive methods used.

In your case, you had intercourse with your girlfriend on May 15, shortly after her last menstrual period, which was from May 4 to May 11. Based on the typical menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs around 14 days after the first day of the last menstrual period, which would place it around May 18 in her cycle. Therefore, May 15 is indeed close to her ovulation period, making it a potentially fertile time.

However, you mentioned that you used a condom throughout the intercourse, and you did not ejaculate inside her. Condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used correctly, with a failure rate of about 2% with perfect use and about 18% with typical use. Since you took precautions by using a condom, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced.

Despite this, your girlfriend expressed a desire to take emergency contraception (EC), which is a responsible choice, especially since she felt uncertain about the risk of pregnancy. You mentioned that she took the second-generation emergency contraceptive pill approximately 60 hours after intercourse. Second-generation emergency contraceptive pills, such as Levonorgestrel, are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. The effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, but it can still reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within that timeframe.

Regarding the likelihood of pregnancy after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, studies indicate that these pills can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Since your girlfriend took the pill within 60 hours, she has taken a proactive step to minimize the risk of pregnancy.

As for the absence of symptoms after taking the emergency contraceptive, it's important to note that many women do not experience side effects, and the lack of symptoms does not indicate whether or not the pill was effective. Common side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headache, and changes in menstrual bleeding, but not everyone will experience these.

In summary, given that you used a condom correctly and your girlfriend took emergency contraception within the appropriate time frame, the likelihood of pregnancy is low. However, if she experiences any unusual symptoms or if her next period is significantly delayed, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

It's also worth mentioning that while emergency contraception is a safe and effective option, it should not be used as a regular form of birth control. Regular contraceptive methods, such as hormonal birth control pills, IUDs, or implants, are more effective for ongoing prevention of pregnancy. If you and your girlfriend have concerns about contraception or pregnancy risks, consider discussing these with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

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