Pregnancy or PMS: Symptoms After Emergency Contraception

Is it pregnancy or premenstrual symptoms?

On June 9 and 10, I had sexual intercourse.
On June 11, I took the emergency contraceptive pill.
Starting June 18, I noticed that my nipples hurt when touched, but there was no discharge.
This might be because I had already ovulated on June 15, which was my expected ovulation date.
However, since I took the emergency contraceptive pill, I thought ovulation would be delayed, but I'm unsure why it feels like I have already ovulated.

Is it possible to have signs of menstruation starting on June 19, even though my expected period is on June 29? Or could this be a sign of pregnancy? Also, how soon after taking the emergency contraceptive pill on June 11 can I take a pregnancy test?

Niming1, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On June 9 and 10, sexual intercourse occurred.
On June 11, emergency contraception was taken.
Starting June 18, there was pain when touching the nipples, with no discharge.
This might be because ovulation had already occurred on June 15, which was the expected ovulation date.
However, due to taking emergency contraception, I believe ovulation should be delayed.
1.
But I am unsure why it feels like ovulation has already happened? Answer: The feeling may not be accurate.
2.
Is it possible to have signs of menstruation as early as June 19 if June 29 is the expected date for menstruation? Answer: June 29 is the expected date for menstruation; it is not possible to have signs of menstruation on June 19.
3.
Could this still indicate pregnancy? Answer: A pregnancy test on June 30 will provide clarity.
4.
When can I take a pregnancy test after taking emergency contraception on June 11? Answer: Since June 29 is the expected date for menstruation, a pregnancy test can be taken on June 30.

Reply Date: 2018/06/19

More Info

After experiencing unprotected intercourse on June 9 and 10, you took emergency contraception on June 11. It's important to understand how emergency contraception works and its potential effects on your menstrual cycle and symptoms.

Emergency contraception (EC) is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It can work by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The timing of your ovulation is crucial in understanding your symptoms and potential outcomes.

You mentioned that you began experiencing breast tenderness around June 18, which is close to your expected ovulation date of June 15. It is possible that the emergency contraception has altered your hormonal balance, leading to changes in your cycle and symptoms. Breast tenderness can be a common symptom of both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. However, since you took EC, it may be more related to hormonal fluctuations rather than an indication of pregnancy.

Regarding your expected menstrual period on June 29, it is indeed possible to experience premenstrual symptoms as early as a week before your period, which would be around June 22. However, since you took emergency contraception, your cycle may be disrupted, and the timing of your next period could be affected. It is not uncommon for EC to cause a delay or an earlier onset of menstruation, along with other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or changes in breast tenderness.

As for testing for pregnancy, it is generally recommended to wait at least one week after your expected period to take a home pregnancy test for the most accurate results. Since your expected period is June 29, you should ideally wait until at least July 6 to take a pregnancy test. Testing too early can lead to false negatives, as the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is detected in pregnancy tests, may not be at detectable levels yet.

If your period does not arrive by the expected date, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can provide guidance on the next steps, including a blood test for pregnancy, which can detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing could be attributed to hormonal changes from the emergency contraception rather than pregnancy. Monitor your symptoms and menstrual cycle closely, and consider taking a pregnancy test after your expected period date for the most reliable results. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a prudent choice.

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