Post-Pill Symptoms: Is Pregnancy Likely After Close Contact?

Why is my girlfriend's stomach still bloated a week after taking the emergency contraceptive pill?

Last Saturday morning, I was at my girlfriend's house.
We did not have intercourse, but she was in her fertile window and we did not use a condom; instead, there was some rubbing at the vaginal opening.
I ended up ejaculating below her navel, but not in the urethra.
Although I cleaned up immediately, I am unsure if any semen could have flowed to her vaginal area.
Later that afternoon, after masturbating, I wiped with tissue and then touched her vaginal area with my fingers.
On Monday night, about 60 hours later, I bought a single dose of emergency contraception for her to take.
A few days prior, she mentioned feeling bloated and having breast pain.
Initially, I thought it might be a side effect of the medication, so I decided to wait and see.
However, it has been a week, and she still feels bloated, although her breast pain has subsided.
Doctor, what is the likelihood of her being pregnant?

Mr. Huang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/05

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills taken within 72 hours after intercourse is approximately 97%, but it is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Additionally, early pregnancy does not always present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms 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 peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/06/05

More Info

When considering the likelihood of pregnancy after close contact, especially in the context of your situation, it's essential to understand a few key points about reproductive health and the effectiveness of emergency contraception.

Firstly, the scenario you described involves no direct intercourse but rather external contact during a time when your girlfriend was in her fertile window. While the risk of pregnancy from such contact is generally lower than from penetrative intercourse, it is not entirely negligible. Sperm can potentially be transferred to the vaginal area, especially if ejaculation occurs nearby, even if it is not directly in the vagina.
The use of emergency contraception (EC), such as the pill you provided to your girlfriend, is a critical factor in mitigating the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or close contact during the fertile period. EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but can be effective up to 5 days after. The sooner it is taken, the higher the efficacy, which can range from 75% to 89% depending on the timing and the specific type of pill used.

Regarding the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as abdominal bloating and breast tenderness, these can be attributed to several factors. It is common for women to experience hormonal fluctuations after taking emergency contraception, which can lead to side effects similar to those of early pregnancy. These symptoms can include breast tenderness, nausea, and changes in menstrual cycles. The fact that her breast tenderness has subsided while the bloating persists may indicate that her body is adjusting to the hormonal changes induced by the EC.

It is also important to note that if your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is regular, she should monitor for her next period. If her period is delayed by more than a week from the expected date, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable and can provide results as early as the first day of a missed period.

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 side effects of the EC rather than indicators of pregnancy. If there are ongoing concerns or if her period does not arrive as expected, consulting with a healthcare provider would be the best course of action. They can provide further guidance, conduct a pregnancy test if necessary, and discuss any additional concerns regarding reproductive health.

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