Hello I had unprotected sex (without ejaculation) this past Sunday (so 3 days ago). It was on day 15 of my cycle (which is always between 24 and 28 days). So it was either the day after ovulation (or hopefully ovulation had already passed at around day 12 or 13.) I didn t think much of it since there was no ejaculation - but now I am worried about the possibility of pre-ejaculate. My partner had ejaculated within 12 hours prior but had urinated at least once prior to the sex in question - which was very short-lived and as mentioned - he did not ejaculate. I m now wondering what to do as prevention. I m still within the 72 hr window so could take plan b (but that s only effective to prevent ovulation right? I could either take ella or get the emergency iud (which I would like to avoid but would obviously do if completely necessary)... what do you think?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The effect of emergency contraceptive pill after ovulation, that is on implantation is controversial. Some studies mention that by irritating the uterine endometrium they will prevent the implantation and few other studies are telling that they are not having effect on implantation. Ella is also having same effect as emergency contraceptive pill according to manufacturers. So, as you are not sure of insemination and still in 72 hours period, you can go for emergency contraceptive pill. But here we can not completely eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. If you want to be very sure and do not want to take risk, better to go for copper IUCD which is expected to give around 99% of protection rate when inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. Hope I have answered your query and I will be happy to answer any further follow-up queries. Take care.