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Can ECP Taken After Sex Prevent Pregnancy ?

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Posted on Wed, 2 May 2012
Question: Im 37 and had protected sex but the condom came off and my boyfriend finished inside of me. I took Next Choice pill 2 hours after and took the other one 12 hours later as stated. I am mid cycle on day 13. what are the chances that i am pregnant? The condom has spermicide on it too.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mitaly (44 minutes later)
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query

Emergency contraceptive pills(Next Choice) are quite effective in prevention of pregnancy if they are taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.The sooner they are taken more effective they are.There are rare chances (2 to 3%)when it is not effective in prevention.
Since you had taken within 2 hours chances of conceiving are less as it prevents ovulation that is release of egg,if ovulation had occurred then it prevents fertilization.It usually takes total 24 hours for the egg to be fertilized and then conception to occur.You may or may not experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting after the pill intake.
If your next periods are delayed by more than a week of the expected date kindly see your Healthcare Provider for evaluation of pregnancy.


Hope I have answered your query.I will be available to answer your follow up query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (1 hour later)
Since I am 37 years old are the chances of being pregnant less likely? What do you think the chances are that I could be pregnant just a ballpark estimate? If I am pregnant is there something else i could do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mitaly (6 hours later)
Hi XXXXXXX

The chances of getting pregnant do not depend on age, unless one has achieved menopause.

I have already explained your chances in my previous answer. I shall any way repeat it. By using Next choice the emergency contraceptive pill appropriately, you have reduced the chances of getting pregnant to less than 2%. There are no other measures available now except wait and watch. Pregnancy needs to be tested if the periods do not occur normally.

Despite using appropriate pills, if you conceive and do not wish to continue it, you may opt for termination. Pregnancy can be terminated by using abortion pills under guidance of a gynecologist. I shall stress this again, "Your chance of needing to opt for termination is remote".

Wishing you Good Health!

Regards
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Mitaly

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 466 Questions

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Can ECP Taken After Sex Prevent Pregnancy ?

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query

Emergency contraceptive pills(Next Choice) are quite effective in prevention of pregnancy if they are taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.The sooner they are taken more effective they are.There are rare chances (2 to 3%)when it is not effective in prevention.
Since you had taken within 2 hours chances of conceiving are less as it prevents ovulation that is release of egg,if ovulation had occurred then it prevents fertilization.It usually takes total 24 hours for the egg to be fertilized and then conception to occur.You may or may not experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting after the pill intake.
If your next periods are delayed by more than a week of the expected date kindly see your Healthcare Provider for evaluation of pregnancy.


Hope I have answered your query.I will be available to answer your follow up query.