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Is Levonelle An Effective Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

Posted on Wed, 24 Sep 2014

Question: Hi, I am 30 years old and currently very anxious that I may be pregnant. Yesterday afternoon I had unprotected sex with my partner, and although he did not ejaculate I decided to get emergency contraception today as I know there is still a risk of impregnation. I saw a nurse as I had concerns after reading that the morning after pill is not as effective in obese patients and I am approx 280lbs, but she didn't agree and after consulting with a doctor gave me Levonelle. We discussed the copper coil but she said that as I am past day 19 in my cycle that I wouldn't be able to have it fitted until after my next period. I had told her that I had started my last period around August 12th, but when I got home I noticed on the calendar that it had actually been August 16th which means I am currently on day 17, and that the sex was around or after ovulation. Does this mean that the Levonelle may not work? Combined with my obesity and reading that Levonelle works to stop ovulation where does this leave me? Should I contact the nurse tomorrow?I am terrified of becoming pregnant as I don't want children.

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The chances of pregnancy are not 100% ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
Facts about levonelle ( emergency I-pill)-
- it is 95% effective when taken with in 24 hrs. after unprotected sex.
- it is usually effective for only one time unprotected sex.
- effect of I-pill decreases in obese patient
- it can not disturbed an established pregnancy
-It delay the release of ova from ovary or sometimes inhibit implantation
From above mentioned fact it is quite clear that in your case pills are 95% effective but effect may decrease due to obesity.
Please wait and watch for your next period because in your case pregnancy can not be ruled out 100%.
Hope I have answered your query if you have further questions I will be happy to help you.
Good luck.
Regards
Dr. Richa

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)

Would you advise me seeing if I can get the copper IUD fitted within the next two days?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No I will not advice you.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
I know your apprehension but i will not suggest Copper-T in your case.
Cu-T only advisable after period, so pregnancy is ruled out.
You can go for it after your next period.
Please for now do not take so much stress,it will further delay your period.
Wait and watch for next period.
Hope this will help you.
Feel free to discuss,I feel happy to help you.
If you want to close the discussion kindly accept my answer and rate it.
Thanks
Regards
Dr.Richa

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T