Can I Take Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Medical Abortion?

Q: Can I Take Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Medical Abortion?

Hello： It is not recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills. <br>Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.

Can I take emergency contraception one week after a medical abortion?

I had a medical abortion on September 20 and had sexual intercourse with ejaculation on October 4.
Can I take emergency contraception? What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Cuihua, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/04

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: It is not recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills.
Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2023/10/04

More Info

After a medical abortion, it is generally safe to take emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) if you have unprotected intercourse. In your case, since you had a medical abortion on September 20 and then had unprotected sex on October 4, taking ECPs is an option to consider.

Emergency contraceptive pills work primarily by preventing ovulation. If taken within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, they can significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy. The sooner you take them after the unprotected sex, the more effective they will be. Given that you had a medical abortion, your body may still be in the process of returning to its normal hormonal cycle, which can affect ovulation timing.

Regarding the likelihood of becoming pregnant after a medical abortion, it is important to note that fertility can return quickly. Many women can ovulate as soon as two weeks after the abortion, which means that if you had unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. The risk of pregnancy is particularly relevant if you did not use any form of contraception after the abortion.

If you decide to take ECPs, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on the best option for you and to ensure that you are taking the right dosage. Additionally, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider after a medical abortion to monitor your recovery and discuss ongoing contraceptive options to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future.

In summary, yes, you can take emergency contraceptive pills after a medical abortion, and it is a good idea to do so if you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait after the unprotected sex, so taking them as soon as possible is crucial. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to discuss your options moving forward.

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