HomeAnswersInfertilityemergency contraceptive pillI had intercourse with my partner recently, and she took three emergency contraceptive pills during that time. Could she be pregnant?

Is it possible for a woman to become pregnant after taking emergency contraceptive pills following intercourse?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 9, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 4, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had intercourse with my partner recently and she took three emergency contraceptive pills during that time. My partner had her period later and then we had intercourse again, and she had another menstruation blood flow for four days. However, she has not had her period since then. She does not have morning sickness or vomiting. Could she be pregnant?

Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan R

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Based on the information you provided, she has no chance of pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills contain a high dose of the hormone Progesterone, which is naturally produced in the body during the second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation. These pills work by thickening the inner lining of the uterus, making it unfavorable for a possible pregnancy to implant. Since it is a single dose, it does not have enough strength to sustain itself, and the thickened lining is shed within seven to ten days, resulting in bleeding or a period. This bleeding may consist of thick, fleshy pieces and appear dark red or brown, accompanied by slight lower abdominal pain until the bleeding subsides. The main effect of the emergency contraceptive pill is to disrupt the environment where a potential pregnancy would implant. It is not necessary to take the pill after every instance of intercourse. For women with a 28 to 30 day cycle, ovulation typically occurs between the 12th and 16th day of the cycle. The lifespan of an egg is around 24 hours, while sperm can survive for up to 72 hours. So, considering her mentioned period, time ovulation would have occurred around the time where the chances of pregnancy are low. The initial pill she took would have disrupted the endometrium or the inner lining of the uterus. Taking repeated pills will not make any difference and will only disturb her hormonal balance and subsequent periods. Now, if she had a period, she will have to wait for a month, just like with every regular period, to have the next menstruation. The endometrium needs time to rebuild before it can be shed again. If you plan to have regular sexual activity, I suggest taking oral birth control pills, which come in a 21-pill packet. They provide 100 % contraception and help regulate hormones, leading to regular periods. Now, you will have to wait until the end of the month for her next period to occur. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Balakrishnan R
Dr. Balakrishnan R

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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