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Expert Q&A
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| By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist | ||
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Can an egg be fertilized within 12 hours of having sex? Because I took the morning after pill 12 hours later, but could there be a possibility that I already became pregnant before I took it?
Yes, it is very possible for fertilization to occur within a few hours of intercourse.
The "morning after pill" (also known as Emergency Contraception, EC) is advised as soon as possible, but within 96 hours for maximum effectiveness at pregnancy prevention. Even if taken immediately, EC is not 100 percent effective. Therefore, if you are late for your next scheduled period, you should contact your doctor and take a pregnancy test.
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