What to do if you had intercourse during ovulation and don't want to get pregnant

Mar 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Having unprotected sex during ovulation may result in pregnancy. If pregnancy is not desired, emergency measures such as taking emergency contraceptive pills, receiving a contraceptive injection, inserting an intrauterine device (IUD), douching the vagina, or avoiding further intercourse may be considered. However, none of these corrective measures are completely safe or reliable. To prevent unintended pregnancy, it is recommended to consistently use appropriate and effective contraception during sexual intercourse.

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.


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