Dear straberry,

Yes. If a woman is concerned about pregnancy after unprotected sex, she may want to consider taking emergency contraception pills (ECPs). ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse. The sooner ECPs are taken, the better. They reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent if started within 72 hours.

Pregnancy doesn't start the day that partners have intercourse — it can take up to six days after intercourse for the sperm and egg to join and form a fertilized egg. After fertilization, it can take six days for the fertilized egg to begin to implant itself in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy begins when this happens.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.