Emergency Contraception: Risks of Unprotected Sex

Emergency contraceptive pills have occurred again?

My girlfriend forgot when her last period started, but I remember it was around July 3rd.
We had sexual intercourse on July 28th and 29th.
On the evening of the 29th, around 8 or 9 PM, my girlfriend took emergency contraception.
We had unprotected sex again on the morning of the 30th around 10 AM.
She mentioned that her menstrual cycle is irregular, so we are very concerned.
What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant in this situation?

s, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/08

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Based on the estimated dates, your girlfriend's possible ovulation period is around July 17, so the timing of sexual intercourse likely did not coincide with her ovulation, resulting in a low probability of pregnancy.

2.
Since she took emergency contraception, the likelihood of pregnancy is further reduced to less than 20%.

3.
Although the chance of pregnancy is very low, there is still a slight possibility.
If her menstruation is significantly delayed, a pregnancy test should still be conducted.

Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/08/08

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of unprotected sex and the effectiveness of emergency contraception, it's important to consider several factors, including the timing of intercourse in relation to the menstrual cycle, the nature of the sexual activity, and the use of emergency contraception.

In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected sexual intercourse with your girlfriend on July 28 and 29, and she took emergency contraception (EC) the following morning after the first instance of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception pills, such as Plan B (Levonorgestrel) or Ella (Ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. 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 Ella.

The effectiveness of emergency contraception can vary based on several factors, including where you are in your girlfriend's menstrual cycle. If she has irregular periods, it can be more challenging to predict ovulation. Generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If your girlfriend's cycle is irregular, it may be difficult to determine when she is most fertile. However, if she took the emergency contraception promptly after the unprotected intercourse, it significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy.

Regarding the concern about the timing of her menstrual cycle, if she has a history of irregular cycles, it is essential to monitor for any signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period or unusual symptoms. If her period is delayed by more than a week, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant.

In terms of the risk of pregnancy from the activities you described, if there was no ejaculation inside the vagina and the emergency contraception was taken promptly, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low. However, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if there was any contact with the vaginal area, there is a small risk of pregnancy.

To summarize, while the risk of pregnancy from the events you described is not negligible, the use of emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. It is crucial for your girlfriend to keep track of her menstrual cycle and to take a pregnancy test if her period is late. Additionally, for future sexual encounters, consider using condoms or other forms of birth control to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Communication with your partner about contraception and sexual health is vital for both of your peace of mind and well-being.

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