Pregnancy Risk from Unprotected Intercourse

Fertile Window and Conception Probabilities

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists acknowledges that the most fertile days are cycle days 8-19 for individuals with regular menstrual cycles 1
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the timing of the 6-day fertile window varies considerably even among women with regular cycles 2, 1

Conception and Pregnancy Rates

• The American Society for Reproductive Medicine reports that approximately 85% of couples not using contraception and attempting pregnancy will conceive within 1 year 3, 4

Emergency Contraception

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that emergency contraceptive pills should be taken as soon as possible within 5 days of unprotected intercourse 2
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel when taken 3-5 days after unprotected intercourse 2
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the copper IUD can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse and is highly effective as emergency contraception 2
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that emergency contraceptive pills substantially reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse 5, 6