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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Pregnancy Possible Despite Taking A Contraceptive Pill?

Hi, I had unprotected sex on Mon 9/26 and took a morning after pill called Emergen Pill on Wed 9/28. The first dose I took around 1pm that day so I should ve taken the other at 1am on Thu (12hrs as recommended) but I missed my alarm and took it at 6am that morning. Does that reduce the effectiveness? Also, is it a possibility that I may be pregnant as I am experiencing pms symptoms today, Cramps were so bad that I thought it would ve been my period but all i noticed was a white discharge. Plz Help
Mon, 14 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

The emergency contraceptive pills like Emergen Pill is can prevent about 85% of expected pregnancies if taken within 72 hours following an unprotected sex and hence will not prevent a pregnancy in every instance.

The pills are more effective if they are taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

You need to take the second pill 12 hours (but no more than 16 hours) after the first.

Since you have taken the second pill after 12 hours but within 16 hours of the first dose, it may still be effective in preventing the pregnancy.

As explained earlier the Emergen pill can be 85% effective in pregnancy, so there is a chance of pregnancy despite of taking it as prescribed.

To be sure, get the home pregnancy test done if your periods are delayed and then consult your treating doctor.

Hope this will help.

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Is Pregnancy Possible Despite Taking A Contraceptive Pill?

Hi & Welcome. The emergency contraceptive pills like Emergen Pill is can prevent about 85% of expected pregnancies if taken within 72 hours following an unprotected sex and hence will not prevent a pregnancy in every instance. The pills are more effective if they are taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. You need to take the second pill 12 hours (but no more than 16 hours) after the first. Since you have taken the second pill after 12 hours but within 16 hours of the first dose, it may still be effective in preventing the pregnancy. As explained earlier the Emergen pill can be 85% effective in pregnancy, so there is a chance of pregnancy despite of taking it as prescribed. To be sure, get the home pregnancy test done if your periods are delayed and then consult your treating doctor. Hope this will help.