What's the Chance of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex?

What is the likelihood of getting pregnant?

Doctor, I apologize for the interruption, but I would like to ask about my girlfriend.
Her menstrual period started on March 21, and she mentioned feeling breast tenderness and discomfort during her ovulation period, which she estimates was on April 5.
We had sexual intercourse at 3 AM on April 9, and within 6 hours afterward, she took the first-generation emergency contraceptive pill.
What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant under these circumstances?

Mr. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/11

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the probability should be low, but it is recommended to use contraception at all times.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/04/11

More Info

When it comes to the chances of pregnancy after unprotected sex, several factors come into play, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the use of emergency contraception, and individual biological factors. In your case, let's break down the situation.

Your girlfriend's menstrual cycle indicates that she had her last period on March 21, with ovulation likely occurring around April 5. Ovulation is typically the time when a woman is most fertile, and sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Therefore, if you had unprotected sex on April 9, it falls just a few days after her ovulation window, which can increase the chances of pregnancy.

However, you mentioned that you took the first-generation emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) within six hours after the unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation, inhibiting fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. The effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but they can still be effective up to five days after.

The effectiveness of emergency contraception can vary, but studies suggest that it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% when taken within the recommended time frame. Given that you took the ECP within six hours, you have significantly reduced the chances of pregnancy.

It's also important to consider that individual factors, such as your girlfriend's overall health, hormonal balance, and the regularity of her menstrual cycle, can influence the likelihood of conception. If her cycle is regular and she ovulates as expected, the chances of pregnancy are lower due to the timely administration of the ECP.

In summary, while there is always a possibility of pregnancy after unprotected sex, taking emergency contraception shortly after the event greatly reduces that risk. If your girlfriend does not get her period within a few weeks, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm her status. Additionally, if there are any concerns or questions about her menstrual cycle or reproductive health, consulting a healthcare provider is always a good step.

In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy exists, the timely use of emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. It's essential to stay informed about reproductive health and contraceptive options to make the best decisions moving forward.

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