Can I Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Q: Can I Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Hello： Emergency contraception is not 100% effective. <br>You should take a pregnancy test if your next period is delayed. <br>It is advisable to avoid premarital sexual intercourse; if you must engage in it, you should use condoms correctly throughout the entire act to prevent s

Is it possible to get pregnant?

My period started on May 2nd, and I had intercourse with my boyfriend on May 13th.
During the act, I felt something flowing inside me, but my boyfriend said he didn't feel like he ejaculated.
Afterward, I bought emergency contraception and took the first dose.
About eight hours later, I started feeling unwell and vomited severely.
However, twelve hours later, I managed to take the second dose (because the pharmacist said to take it again twelve hours after the first).
About an hour after taking the second dose, I couldn't help but vomit again, but I didn't see clearly what I vomited; it was mostly just water.

Doctor, is the emergency contraception still effective? Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant? What are the chances of pregnancy? When is the best time to buy a pregnancy test for the most accurate result? Please provide detailed information, thank you very much!

Xiao Hua, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/18

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Emergency contraception is not 100% effective.
You should take a pregnancy test if your next period is delayed.
It is advisable to avoid premarital sexual intercourse; if you must engage in it, you should use condoms correctly throughout the entire act to prevent sexually transmitted infections and ensure effective contraception.
Hsinchu City Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reply Date: 2006/05/18

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be taken up to 5 days after. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait to take them.

In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on May 13 and took the emergency contraceptive pills shortly after. However, you experienced severe nausea and vomiting after taking the pills, which can affect their efficacy. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pills, it is recommended to take another dose, as your body may not have absorbed the medication properly. Since you mentioned that you vomited after taking the second dose as well, this could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the ECPs.

The likelihood of becoming pregnant after taking ECPs can vary based on several factors, including when you took the pills relative to ovulation. If you were close to ovulation during the time of unprotected intercourse, the chances of pregnancy may be higher. However, if you took the pills correctly and within the recommended time frame, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced.

To determine if you are pregnant, it is best to wait until at least the first day of your expected period to take a home pregnancy test. This is typically about two weeks after ovulation, which would be around May 27 for a typical cycle. Testing too early may result in a false negative, as the hormone hCG, which is detected by pregnancy tests, may not be at detectable levels yet.

If your period is late or you have any symptoms of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness, fatigue, or nausea, you should take a pregnancy test. If you continue to experience severe nausea or other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while ECPs are effective in preventing pregnancy, factors such as timing of ingestion and vomiting can influence their success. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, wait until your expected period to take a test for the most accurate result. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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