Am I at Risk of Pregnancy After Using Emergency Contraceptive?

Will this lead to pregnancy?

Hello Doctor: I am not very good at calculating safe and dangerous periods, so I used an online ovulation calculator.
If I am not mistaken, my ovulation day this month is the 16th, but I had sexual intercourse on the 14th and 15th! Therefore, I took an emergency contraceptive pill that I bought at the pharmacy on the evening of the 15th, because I had seen an article earlier about this brand of emergency contraceptive pill stating that its effectiveness is not very good...
I would like to ask, is there still a chance that I could become pregnant? Thank you.

Tx, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/17

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of getting pregnant are low, and you should not rely on the safe period.
It is better to take preventive measures for contraception before engaging in sexual activity.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/02/17

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after using emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it’s important to understand how these medications work and their effectiveness. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but some formulations can be effective up to 120 hours post-intercourse.

In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected sex on the 14th and 15th, and you took the emergency contraceptive pill on the evening of the 15th. Since you took the pill within a short time frame after intercourse, you significantly reduced your risk of becoming pregnant. Studies suggest that when taken correctly, ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 90%. However, their effectiveness can be influenced by several factors, including the timing of ovulation and the specific type of emergency contraceptive used.

You also noted that you calculated your ovulation date to be around the 16th. If ovulation occurs as expected, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that intercourse on the 14th and 15th could potentially lead to fertilization if ovulation occurs shortly after. However, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill, it works primarily by delaying ovulation. If ovulation has not yet occurred, the pill can prevent the release of an egg, thus preventing fertilization.

Regarding your concern about the effectiveness of the specific brand of emergency contraceptive you used, it’s essential to note that while some brands may have varying efficacy rates, most are generally effective when taken correctly. If you have doubts about the specific brand, it might be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional for more personalized advice.

As for the timing of your next menstrual period, emergency contraceptive pills can cause some changes in your menstrual cycle. It’s not uncommon for your period to be earlier or later than expected after taking ECPs. If your period is delayed by more than a week after the expected date, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In summary, while there is always a risk of pregnancy with unprotected intercourse, taking an emergency contraceptive pill shortly after the event significantly reduces that risk. If you have further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your specific situation and help you navigate any potential outcomes.

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