How Effective Is Unwanted 72 Emergency Contraceptive In Preventing Pregnancy?

Posted on Sat, 9 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 Jan 2016 Answered on

Mon, 8 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I took emergency contraceptive 4 hours after getting physical last monday and i met an accident on the same day,and i am on painkillers and antibiotics from that very day , will that cancel the effectiveness of unwanted 72 emergency contraception? And now theres a delay in period by 3-4 days .which was due on 5th What are the chances of getting pregnant ? Is the delay because of blood loss due to accident or side effect of emergency contraceptive? Do i need to perform a home pregnancy test , if yes then when ?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Side effect of emergency contraceptive

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Pain killers and antibiotics do not decrease the efficacy of emergency contraceptive pill.
Delayed periods can be due to pregnancy or due to side effect of I pill which delays the next expected periods by2-3 weeks.
I will suggest you to get a urine pregnancy test now, which is most likely to be negative.
If negative, you can safely wait for the periods to come.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (35 minutes later)

Thank you so much doctor , i also have multiple fibroadenoma , not on any medication , will get surgery done soon , is emergency contaception harmful for me ?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not harmful

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
No, the emergency contraceptive pill do not have prolonged hormonal influence on the body.
Therefore, it will not harm or interfere in your surgical procedure.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (5 hours later)

Thanks a lot again for this information , i started bleeding today morning not sure if its withdrawl bleeding due to emergency contraceptive side effect , or if its my period , which was due on 5th .This is my first time after marriage , so really frustated and stressed about it , are there still any chances to be pregnant now?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely withdrawal bleeding

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I am happy to have helped you.
The bleeding you are having is likely to have withdrawal bleeding.
There are almost nil chances of pregnancy.However, if you want to do pregnancy test, you should do it after 15-20 days after unprotected intercourse.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
For further queries, you can get back to me by asking a direct question to me on health care magic portal.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar