Will I get pregnant if I had sex in the evening after taking emergency contraception in the morning?
May 03, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Pregnancy is possible if having sex in the evening after taking emergency contraception in the morning. Emergency contraceptive pills are generally effective when taken within three days after unprotected intercourse. However, their contraceptive effect is not sustained over time. If unprotected intercourse occurs again after taking the medication, the half-life of the drug may be shortened. According to pharmacological properties and clinical experience, the pill usually cannot provide effective contraception in such cases, thus pregnancy may occur.
Pregnancy may still occur if unprotected intercourse takes place at night after taking emergency contraception in the morning. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Emergency contraception, as used clinically, refers to a contraceptive measure taken after sexual intercourse to prevent unintended pregnancy. It is generally effective when taken within three days after unprotected sex, reducing the risk of pregnancy by 75%–89%. However, the contraceptive effect of emergency contraception is not sustained over time. If unprotected intercourse occurs again after taking the medication—especially more than 10 hours after ingestion—the drug's half-life may be shortened. Based on pharmacological properties and clinical experience, the contraceptive efficacy is significantly reduced in such cases, thereby increasing the possibility of pregnancy.
After taking emergency contraception, some side effects commonly occur, such as early or delayed menstruation, which are usually considered normal. However, if sudden lower abdominal pain develops, it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology department to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
