Am I at Risk of Pregnancy After Taking Emergency Contraceptives?

Is it easy to get pregnant this way?

I had intercourse with my boyfriend during my fertile period, but I took emergency contraception (Plan B) two hours later.
The next day, worried it might not be effective, I took another brand (which is taken every 12 hours).
A week later, it seemed like my period started; the first day was red, and the second day was mostly brown (almost all of it).
When it was about to end on the second day, I had intercourse with my boyfriend again.
I was wearing underwear, he wasn't, and he didn't ejaculate.
However, the next day, I was very anxious and bought Plan B again, and now my period has stopped.
Am I at a high risk of pregnancy? I'm really scared.
Can you please reply? Thank you.

Wo hen pa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/06/13

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Correctly following medical advice and using emergency contraception in a timely manner can achieve a contraceptive effectiveness of approximately 95%, although it is not 100% guaranteed.
If menstruation is delayed by nearly two weeks, it is advisable to perform a urine pregnancy test to check for a positive pregnancy result.
After using emergency contraception, it is possible to experience abnormal bleeding due to the effects of the medication.

Reply Date: 2008/06/13

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after taking emergency contraceptives, it’s important to understand how these medications work and the factors that can influence their effectiveness. Emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) and ulipristal acetate, 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 for Plan B and up to 120 hours for ulipristal acetate.

In your case, you mentioned that you took emergency contraceptives shortly after having unprotected intercourse during your fertile window. This is a positive step, as taking the medication promptly can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy. The effectiveness of these pills can be as high as 89% when taken within the recommended time frame. However, it’s crucial to note that no emergency contraceptive is 100% effective, and factors such as your menstrual cycle timing, the timing of ovulation, and whether ovulation has already occurred can all influence the outcome.

You also mentioned experiencing a change in your menstrual cycle after taking the emergency contraceptives. It’s not uncommon for emergency contraceptives to cause irregular bleeding or changes in your menstrual cycle. The bleeding you experienced—starting with red blood and then turning brown—could be a side effect of the medication rather than a regular menstrual period. This type of bleeding is often referred to as "withdrawal bleeding," which can occur after taking hormonal medications.

Regarding your concern about having unprotected intercourse again after the initial bleeding, if your boyfriend did not ejaculate, the risk of pregnancy is lower, but it is not zero. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if you are still within your fertile window, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Since you took another dose of emergency contraception, this may further reduce the risk, but again, it is not guaranteed.

If your period does not arrive within a week or two after the expected date, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. Additionally, if you continue to experience irregular bleeding or have any concerns about your reproductive health, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while you have taken steps to reduce the risk of pregnancy by using emergency contraceptives, there is still a possibility of pregnancy due to various factors. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and seeking medical advice if needed will help you manage your concerns effectively. Remember, emergency contraception is intended for occasional use and should not replace regular contraceptive methods for ongoing sexual activity.

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Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, and you shouldn't rely on the safe period. It's better to take preventive measures before engaging in sexual activity. If your period is more than a week late, it's advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

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Hello, if you are taking birth control pills, you should not become pregnant. Wishing you good health.

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