Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effectiveness After Condom Failure

Emergency contraceptive pill

If a condom broke during intercourse with your girlfriend and you immediately washed the external area, and then took emergency contraception (Levonorgestrel) within three hours, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low.
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
However, no method is 100% effective, so there is still a small chance of pregnancy.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and to discuss any concerns.

Fg, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/23

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

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

Reply Date: 2024/07/23

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception, the effectiveness of the pill you mentioned, often referred to as "Plan B" or "Ella," can vary based on several factors, including timing and the individual's menstrual cycle. In your case, since you experienced a condom failure and took the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) within three hours, you have taken a significant step to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The efficacy of these pills decreases the longer you wait to take them. For instance, Plan B (levonorgestrel) is about 89% effective when taken within 72 hours, while Ella (ulipristal acetate) can be effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. Since you took the pill within three hours, you are likely to have a high chance of preventing pregnancy.

However, it’s important to note that while ECPs are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Factors such as where you are in your menstrual cycle can influence the likelihood of pregnancy. If you were close to ovulation when the condom broke, the risk of pregnancy could be higher, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, waiting for an egg to fertilize.

In terms of side effects, some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking emergency contraception. This can include earlier or later onset of the next period, heavier or lighter bleeding, or spotting. If your next period is delayed by more than a week beyond when you expect it, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

Additionally, while you mentioned cleaning the external area after the condom failure, it’s important to understand that washing does not effectively prevent pregnancy after intercourse has occurred. The sperm can already be in the reproductive tract, and external washing will not remove it.

In summary, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill within three hours of the condom failure, your chances of preventing pregnancy are relatively high, but not guaranteed. Keep an eye on your menstrual cycle, and if there are any significant changes or delays, consider taking a pregnancy test. If you have further concerns or experience unusual symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider would be a prudent step.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraception: Understanding Risks After Condom Failure

On June 18, my girlfriend started her period. On June 26, we had sexual intercourse, but when we were about to withdraw for external ejaculation, I discovered a large tear in the condom, which really shocked me. We have always been very careful and attentive, always using condoms...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Taking emergency contraceptive pills has an effectiveness of about 80%. 2. If the condom breaks, it renders the condom ineffective. 3. Withdrawal method (coitus interruptus) also has poor contraceptive effectiveness. 4. In summary, there should still be over 80% effectiv...

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effectiveness After Condom Issues

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a condom, but it slipped off a couple of times (while outside the body). After that, we continued with the condom on, and he ejaculated immediately after pulling out. We checked and confirmed that the condom did not break, but I am conc...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills taken within three days is approximately 97%. The effectiveness decreases the longer you wait beyond three days. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late. Thank you! Wishing you safe...

Is Emergency Contraception Effective After Condom Failure During Ovulation?

On the first day of ovulation, there was penetration a few times, and I noticed a small hole in the tip of the condom. After that, we stopped. The next day, I took the emergency contraceptive pill. Is the emergency contraceptive pill effective? What are the chances of pregnancy?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Condom Use

Hello, I would like to inquire about my menstrual cycle. It was from February 7 to February 11, and I had sexual intercourse on February 15, during which there was an accidental ejaculation. I took the emergency contraceptive pill (Ella) about an hour later. On February 16, I had...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. The likelihood of affecting fibroids is minimal. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Zhang