Hi,
My bf and I went away for the weekend 16-18 sept, i know this was also my most fertile time, We had two incidents of failed contraception (split condom) on the 16th and again on the 18th. I couldnt get ECP when i was away so was only taken aprox 60 hrs after the first incident.
My period was due today but hasnt shown. I know the window for taking the MAP is 72 hrs, but am now worried that i ovulated and the egg already fertilised and if so how effective is the MAP if this has already occured before taking it ?
I have taken a hpt but it is negative, but on my son i didnt show positive until one week after period was due.
Feefee (33)
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Dear Feefee,
Yes, you are in a bit of risky waters right now. If I were you, I would definitely be sure to take the follow up home pregnancy test a week after your period should have started.
Taking any kind of emergency contraception that late (i.e. 60 hrs or even 72 hrs) is really pushing it. Your highest probability for “success” is when you take Next Choice or Plan B or the I-Pill right away after a condom breaks. As the clock ticks further away from the “incident,” you’re merely increasing your probability for the egg to become fertilized after which it then attaches itself to the wall of your uterus.
Next Choice or Plan B can do the following three things:
1) The pill may stop an egg from being released from the ovary.
2) If an egg has already been released, the pill may stop the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
3) If the egg has already been fertilized, the pill may prevent the fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of your uterus.
By taking any kind of emergency contraception that late, we can assume that #1 has already taken place (if it’s the correct time of the month for you). If fertilization occurs (phase #2), it will typically happen within 24 hours of the egg being released (ovulation). So, waiting 60 hours may put us into phase #3, where you’re hoping to beat the fertilized egg (the blastocyst) before it attaches itself to the wall of your uterus. And, here is where your probability for “success” rapidly decreases and where your chances of becoming pregnant drastically increase. The morning after pill may help prevent the fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of your uterus; however, if the blastocyst has already attached itself to your uterus wall before you took the pill, then you are out of luck.
The manufacturers of emergency contraception like to say that you can take Plan B or Next Choice up to 72 hours; however, the clock begins ticking the very moment you have sex. Your best bet is to take the pill as quickly as possible to ensure your greatest success.
In your particular instance, since you were away and had no chance of taking E.C. asap, then we can only hope for the best. It all comes down to what the next home pregnancy test results are.
Best luck!
Hannah
FeeFee says
Hi Hannah,
Just a quick update, my Aunt flow came to visit today so thankfully the Morning After pill done its job. Quite a lot heavier and more painful than normal tho.
I had the Merina coil removed only a couple of months ago because of some problems i was having. So now a serious re-think of a new contraception method.
Thank you for your advise, its great to have somebody to express your concerns to and get such a quick response.
Fee :)
Jade says
I’m on birth control and have been for years. I had protected sex and he wiped his penis off afterward. We then messed around before putting another condom on for sex again about 45 mins to an hour later. I took my last inactive pill that night. The next day I should have started a new pack but took and extra inactive pill instead of an active one making week 4, 8 days not 7. Could there be left over semen that got pushed in for the second time? Would I have a higher chance and pregnancy? I took plan b about 60 hours after sex
Sonam wangmoc says
I had unprotected sex …..but i took pill after 44 hours…..
Is there chances to get pregent..
Coz i am not yet ready for that….plz help me with that…..
I have bladder and back pain at the same time
surbhi says
had an unprotected intercourse on the morning 24th jan & took an ipill within 48 hours on the 25th night. my period date is 28th jan. haven’t had any periods yet. how effective would be the ipill?
baby k says
hy fee fee I knw ths is an old post but just want 2 know, did u get ur periods da same day wen u were due or day later or after how many days did u get ur periods
Shaye hazel says
Had unprotected sex on the 2of April took next choice the 3 of April. My period is now 4 days late am also worrying