Is it possible to get pregnant after taking contraceptive pills?

Jun 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

If emergency contraceptive pills are taken more than 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, if combined oral contraceptives are missed or taken incorrectly, or if there is an underlying liver condition affecting drug metabolism, pregnancy may occur after taking contraceptives. Taking emergency contraceptive pills too late cannot prevent ovulation. Irregular use of combined oral contraceptives causes hormonal fluctuations, affecting the normal state of the endometrium; liver disease reduces the body's ability to metabolize the medication.

There is still a possibility of pregnancy even when taking contraceptive pills. The risk of pregnancy increases when the medication is used improperly, the drug has expired, or there are individual-specific conditions. However, when taken correctly and regularly with no contraindications, the success rate of contraception is relatively high. A detailed explanation is as follows:

If emergency contraceptive pills are taken more than 72 hours after unprotected sex, if regular contraceptive pills are missed or taken incorrectly, or if there is an underlying liver condition affecting drug metabolism, the likelihood of becoming pregnant increases. Taking emergency contraception too late cannot prevent ovulation, while irregular use of regular contraceptive pills causes hormonal fluctuations that affect the normal condition of the endometrium. Liver disease reduces the body's ability to metabolize the drug, weakening its contraceptive effect and allowing a fertilized egg an opportunity to implant.

When taking regular contraceptive pills strictly according to the instructions—taking them at the same time daily and in the correct dosage—or taking emergency contraceptive pills within 24 hours after unprotected sex, and when there are no contraindications, the contraceptive effect is relatively effective. Regular use of short-term contraceptive pills can stabilize hormonal regulation, inhibit ovulation, and alter the properties of cervical mucus. Prompt use of emergency contraceptive pills can interfere with the process of conception through a high dose of hormones, thus reducing the chance of pregnancy.

Before taking contraceptive pills, it is important to understand your health status and rule out contraindications such as liver disease or a history of thrombosis. Short-term contraceptive pills must be taken on time, and emergency contraceptive pills should not be used frequently.

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