What to do if you had intercourse during ovulation and don't want to get pregnant
Having unprotected sex during ovulation may result in pregnancy. If pregnancy is not desired, emergency contraceptive methods such as taking emergency contraceptive pills, receiving contraceptive injections, inserting an intrauterine device (IUD), douching the vagina, or avoiding further intercourse can be used as remedial measures. The appropriate method should be chosen based on individual circumstances.
1. Taking emergency contraceptive pills
If pregnancy is not desired after intercourse during ovulation, emergency contraceptive pills can be taken. Commonly used medications include combined levonorgestrel tablets, mifepristone, and levonorgestrel tablets. It is recommended to take them within 72 hours after intercourse, with earlier administration providing better effectiveness.
2. Contraceptive injection
You can also visit a professional medical facility where a doctor administers injectable contraceptives, such as combined medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, combined hydroxyprogesterone caproate injection, or combined norethisterone enanthate injection. These suppress ovarian ovulation function and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.
3. Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD)
For women who are unsuitable for emergency contraceptive pills, insertion of an IUD can serve as an alternative. It is recommended to insert a copper-containing or hormone-releasing IUD within five days after intercourse to prevent fertilization and implantation of the egg, thereby achieving contraception.
4. Vaginal douching
Douching the vagina with warm water helps cleanse the external genitalia and vaginal area, reducing retained semen and lowering the risk of pregnancy.
5. Avoiding further intercourse
Ovulation period is a high-fertility phase for women. To avoid unintended pregnancy, refraining from intercourse during this period can serve as an effective preventive measure.
However, no emergency method is absolutely safe or reliable. To prevent unintended pregnancy, it is strongly recommended to use appropriate and consistent contraceptive methods during intercourse.