Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse

What is the likelihood of getting pregnant?

On March 17, there was unprotected intercourse, and a small amount of semen was accidentally deposited inside.
About 40 minutes later, emergency contraception was taken.
My girlfriend's abdomen has been unusually enlarged; she has gained weight but it also seems like she might be pregnant.
A pregnancy test was taken on March 31, which showed a negative result.
Currently, her period has not arrived, her breasts are swollen, and she appears to be experiencing constipation, although there have been a few days with significant bowel movements.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

A-Hsueh, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/01

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception taken within 72 hours after intercourse is about 97%.
However, it is not 100% effective, with a failure rate of approximately 3%, but it is still considered a viable option for prevention.
Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms alone cannot be used to make a determination.
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2016/04/01

More Info

When considering the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it's essential to understand several factors that can influence the likelihood of conception. In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse on March 17 and taking emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") about 40 minutes later. This is a crucial step, as emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy if taken within a specific time frame after unprotected sex.

Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. It works primarily by delaying ovulation, which means that if you take it before ovulation occurs, it can significantly reduce the chances of becoming pregnant. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of the pill decreases.
You also mentioned that your girlfriend's abdomen appears to be enlarging, and she is experiencing breast tenderness and constipation, which can be early signs of pregnancy. However, these symptoms can also be attributed to other factors, such as hormonal changes, stress, or even the side effects of the emergency contraception itself.
The negative pregnancy test on March 31 is also an important piece of information. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, especially when taken after a missed period. However, if the test was taken too early, it may not detect pregnancy accurately. It is recommended to wait at least a week after a missed period for the most accurate results.
Given that her period has not yet arrived, it could be beneficial for her to retest in a few days or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. If she continues to experience symptoms of pregnancy and the test remains negative, a healthcare provider may recommend a blood test, which is more sensitive and can detect lower levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances, the use of emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be due to various factors, and the best course of action would be to wait for her period or consult a healthcare professional for further guidance. If pregnancy is confirmed, early prenatal care is essential for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

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