Emergency Contraception: Your Pregnancy Risk After Unprotected Sex

Emergency contraceptive pill

On March 19, there was unprotected intercourse, and the emergency contraceptive pill was taken 38 hours later on March 20.
However, menstrual cycles have been irregular in recent years—menstruation occurred on November 10 and December 12 in 2015, and on January 22 and February 24 in 2016.
Currently, menstruation has not yet occurred.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

Peggy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/30

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation.
It's best to use preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/03/30

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy after unprotected sex and the use of emergency contraception, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of intercourse, the effectiveness of the emergency contraception taken, and the individual’s menstrual cycle.

In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse on March 19, followed by taking emergency contraception (EC) approximately 38 hours later. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait, but they can still reduce the risk of pregnancy significantly if taken within that time frame.
Given that you took the ECP within a reasonable time frame, it is likely that you have reduced your risk of pregnancy. However, it is important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy even after taking emergency contraception.

You also mentioned that your menstrual cycle has been irregular in recent years, which can complicate the situation. Irregular cycles can make it difficult to predict when your next period will arrive, and this unpredictability can lead to anxiety about potential pregnancy. In general, if your period is more than a week late after taking the emergency contraception, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.
The symptoms you may experience after taking emergency contraception can also vary. Some individuals may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including delayed periods, spotting, or changes in flow. These symptoms can be a result of the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive pill.
If your period does not arrive within a week of the expected date, taking a home pregnancy test is a good next step. If the test is positive, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and options. If the test is negative but your period still does not come, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare professional to discuss your menstrual irregularities and any other underlying issues that may need to be addressed.

In summary, while taking emergency contraception shortly after unprotected sex significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, the irregularity of your menstrual cycle adds complexity to the situation. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, taking a pregnancy test after a missed period is the best course of action. Additionally, if you continue to experience irregular cycles, it may be beneficial to seek medical advice to explore potential underlying causes and treatment options.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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