Pregnancy Risk After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Taking emergency contraception during ovulation?

Hello doctor, on July 24th, I had unprotected intercourse with my girlfriend and ejaculated inside her.
I took the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) within an hour afterward, which contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel.
The app indicates that July 20th was her ovulation day, and her menstrual period was from July 8th to July 16th, with a menstrual cycle of 26 days.
What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant under these circumstances?

zero, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/24

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the probability of pregnancy should be low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/07/24

More Info

When considering the risk of pregnancy after taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) like Plan B (levonorgestrel), it is essential to understand how these medications work and their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. ECPs are designed to be taken after unprotected intercourse to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, with decreasing effectiveness over time.

In your case, you took the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) within one hour after unprotected intercourse, which is a timely response. Given that your girlfriend's ovulation was predicted to be on July 20 and her menstrual cycle is 26 days, it is important to note that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. This means that if ovulation occurred shortly after the unprotected intercourse, there could still be a risk of fertilization. However, since you took the ECP promptly, it significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy.

The effectiveness of Plan B is approximately 89% when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. If taken within 24 hours, the effectiveness can be even higher. It is also important to note that ECPs primarily work by preventing or delaying ovulation; they do not terminate an existing pregnancy and are not effective if ovulation has already occurred.

Regarding your specific situation, since your girlfriend's last menstrual period was from July 8 to July 16, and you had unprotected intercourse on July 24, the likelihood of her being in the fertile window is relatively low, especially since you took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after. The app indicating July 20 as the ovulation day suggests that she may have already ovulated, but the timing of your ECP intake plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the timing of ovulation and sperm viability, taking the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after unprotected intercourse significantly lowers that risk. It is advisable for your girlfriend to monitor her menstrual cycle and take a pregnancy test if her next period is late or if she experiences any unusual symptoms. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide further guidance and reassurance regarding her reproductive health and any concerns about the use of emergency contraception.
In the future, consider discussing contraceptive options with your partner to prevent unplanned pregnancies and ensure both partners are comfortable and informed about their choices.

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