Could pregnancy occur after having sex after taking contraceptives?

Will sex after taking contraceptives still lead to pregnancy?

Taking contraceptives does not guarantee 100% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, regardless of the type of contraceptives used, including short-acting, long-acting, and emergency contraceptives. Short-acting contraceptives usually take effect after a week of taking, so other contraceptive methods, such as condoms, are still needed during the first menstrual cycle after taking short-acting contraceptives. It is entirely possible to become pregnant after sex after taking contraceptives. Short-acting contraceptives, such as Marvelon, Yasmin, Yaz, and Diane-35, generally take effect after one week of taking, so it is recommended to use contraceptives tools during the first menstrual cycle after the first dose. The second menstrual cycle begins to stabilize, increasing the chances of contraception. Emergency contraceptives mainly work by preventing implantation, but their effectiveness is not 100% due to the influence of ovulation. Therefore, sex after taking emergency contraceptives cannot guarantee 100% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. So, there is still a possibility of pregnancy after taking contraceptives and then having sex.

When is the best time to take contraceptives?

1. Emergency contraceptives: As a post-coital contraceptive, emergency contraceptives are generally taken within 72 hours after sex, with the second dose taken 12 hours later. The earlier they are taken, the better the effect. The main component of emergency contraceptives is progestin, and their mechanism of action is similar to short-acting contraceptives. They are suitable for women under 40 years old.

2. Short-acting contraceptives: Short-acting contraceptives should be taken on the 5th day from the start of menstruation, with one tablet taken every night for 22 consecutive days, providing contraception for 1 month. They mainly work by inhibiting ovulation and disrupting the normal growth of the endometrium. They are suitable for women without underlying diseases or diabetes.

3. Long-acting contraceptives: Generally, one tablet is taken on the 5th day after menstruation, and another tablet is taken 20 days later to achieve effective contraception. Long-acting contraceptives mainly contain synthetic progestin and long-acting estrogen, which can inhibit ovulation and provide long-term contraception. They are suitable for women who cannot use intrauterine devices and do not wish to use other contraceptive methods.