Patient's question:
Yesterday was my ovulation day. Generally, I would never have sex with my boyfriend on the day of ovulation, but yesterday I lost my mind and forgot to wear a condom. I'm very afraid I might get pregnant as a result. I've thought it over and decided to take the birth control pill, but I want to ask if it's still effective to take it now?Doctor's answer:
Emergency contraception pills are generally effective within 72 hours, but the earlier they are taken, the more pronounced the effect and the better the outcome. If you have sexual intercourse, taking the pill within two hours after can achieve a 90% or higher efficacy. If you're still not sure, you can have a blood test 10 days after sexual intercourse to check for hCG and progesterone levels to see how they decrease. This testing method is the earliest way to determine if you have become pregnant.