Can you still get pregnant after taking emergency contraception?

Generally, taking emergency contraceptive pills can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. However, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is influenced by various factors, and it cannot completely eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. The detailed analysis is as follows:

The primary mechanism of emergency contraceptive pills is to delay or suppress ovulation, thereby reducing the risk of pregnancy. If taken correctly within 72 hours after intercourse, the active ingredients in the pill can effectively lower the chance of pregnancy.

However, if taken beyond the recommended time window, the drug's effectiveness significantly decreases. If ovulation has already occurred at the time of intercourse, emergency contraceptives cannot prevent fertilization. Additionally, taking certain medications—such as antiepileptic drugs or anti-HIV drugs—alongside emergency contraceptives may interfere with their efficacy and lead to contraceptive failure. Moreover, emergency contraceptive pills only protect against the most recent act of unprotected intercourse; if unprotected sex occurs again after taking the pill, pregnancy remains a possibility.

It is important to plan and prepare for contraception in advance when engaging in sexual activity, using methods such as condoms, oral contraceptives, or intrauterine devices (IUDs), to minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy and better protect one’s reproductive and overall health.