Pregnancy Testing After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Pregnancy test questions?


Hello Doctor: I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on April 20 without using a condom, but there was no ejaculation inside.
I took the emergency contraceptive pill "Postinor." My last menstrual period started on April 16, and I experienced bleeding after taking the contraceptive on April 29 and 30.
However, as of May 25, I still have not gotten my period and have no signs of menstruation or pregnancy symptoms.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? On May 23, I used a pregnancy test, but I initially tore the test incorrectly, affecting the part that should be immersed in urine, and then I taped it back together.
The result showed one line.
Would this affect the accuracy of the pregnancy test?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/25

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello Miss Anonymous: It is currently difficult to determine if you are pregnant.
You will need to wait until after May 29 or May 30 to see if your period arrives.
If it does not, you should take a pregnancy test to find out.
As for the situation with tearing the pregnancy test strip incorrectly, I believe it should not affect the interpretation of the results.

Reply Date: 2018/05/25

More Info


When it comes to understanding pregnancy testing after unprotected intercourse, especially in the context of using emergency contraception, there are several important factors to consider. Based on your situation, you had unprotected intercourse on April 20th and took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after. Your last menstrual period started on April 16th, and you experienced some bleeding on April 29th and 30th, which could be a side effect of the emergency contraception. However, you have not had a menstrual period since then, and you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant.

Firstly, it's important to note that emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) like "妊止" (Plan B or similar) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can still be effective up to 5 days later. However, they are not 100% effective, and the chances of pregnancy can vary based on the timing of the menstrual cycle and when ovulation occurs.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, it is not uncommon for ECPs to cause changes in your cycle, including delayed menstruation or irregular bleeding. The bleeding you experienced on April 29th and 30th could have been a side effect of the medication rather than a true menstrual period. Since it has been several weeks since that bleeding and you have not had a period, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.

As for the pregnancy test you took on May 23rd, the fact that you accidentally tore the part of the test that should be submerged in urine could potentially affect the accuracy of the result. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine, which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. If the test was not used correctly, it may not provide a reliable result.
Given that you received a negative result (one line) on the test, it suggests that you are not pregnant, especially considering that it has been over a month since your last period. However, if you are still experiencing a lack of menstruation and have concerns about the accuracy of the test, it would be advisable to take another pregnancy test. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully this time to ensure accurate results.
Additionally, if you continue to miss your period or have any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than urine tests, and can also evaluate any other potential issues that may be affecting your menstrual cycle.
In summary, while the chances of pregnancy seem low given the negative test result and the timing of your emergency contraception, it is always best to confirm with a healthcare professional if you have any doubts or if your menstrual cycle does not return to normal.

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