Is There a Chance of Pregnancy After Taking Emergency Contraceptives?

Is there a chance of pregnancy?

Your menstrual period started on November 2.
You took emergency contraception on November 5 and continued to take it daily without missing any doses.
On November 14, you took medications for a cold, including Ulex, Scanol, Strocaine, Ponstan, and Noscapine.
On November 23, you had unprotected intercourse and ejaculated inside during the placebo period of your medication.
On November 26, you experienced urethritis and took Pyridium and Cephradine.
The doctors have indicated that these medications should not affect the efficacy of the contraception.
However, as of today, four days after stopping the medication (with the last pill taken on November 25), your period has not yet arrived.
You are inquiring whether this could indicate pregnancy.
If your period does not come in seven days, can you start the next pack of pills directly? (You have not yet been able to take a pregnancy test.)

s, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/29

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On November 2, menstruation started.
On November 5, I took the emergency contraceptive pill daily without missing any doses.
On November 14, I took several medications for a cold, including Ulex, Scanol, Strocaine, Ponstan, and Noscapine.
On November 23, I had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation during the pill-free interval.
On November 26, I experienced urethritis and took Piridium and Cephradine.
The doctor said these medications should not affect the contraceptive effectiveness, but as of today, four days after stopping the medication (last pill taken on November 25), my period has not arrived.
Could this indicate pregnancy?
Answer: It is unlikely to be pregnancy.
If my period does not come in seven days, can I directly start the next pack? (Pregnancy test is not yet conclusive.)
Answer: It is advisable to take a pregnancy test before starting the next pack.

Reply Date: 2018/11/29

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy after taking emergency contraceptives, it's important to understand how these medications work and the factors that can influence their effectiveness. Emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 to 120 hours, depending on the specific medication used.

In your case, you mentioned that you took emergency contraceptive pills consistently and then had unprotected intercourse after the medication. The fact that you have not yet had your period could be due to several reasons. First, emergency contraceptives can cause temporary disruptions in your menstrual cycle, leading to delayed or altered periods. It is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their cycle after taking these medications, including late periods or spotting.

Given that you have taken various medications, including Ulex Scanol, Strocaine, Ponstan, Noscapine, Piridium, and Cephradine, it is essential to note that while some medications can interact with hormonal contraceptives, the ones you mentioned are generally not known to significantly affect the efficacy of emergency contraceptives. However, individual responses to medications can vary, and it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider regarding any potential interactions.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to wait at least a week after your missed period to take a home pregnancy test. Most home pregnancy tests are reliable when taken after a missed period, as they detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, you may want to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Regarding your question about taking another pack of emergency contraceptives if your period does not arrive in seven days, it is important to note that emergency contraceptives are not intended for regular use and should only be taken in emergencies. If you suspect you might be pregnant, taking another pack could be unnecessary and may not be advisable. Instead, focus on confirming whether you are pregnant through a reliable test or consultation with your healthcare provider.

In summary, while there is a chance of pregnancy after taking emergency contraceptives, the likelihood is reduced if the medication was taken correctly and within the recommended time frame. Delayed periods can occur as a side effect of the medication, and it is essential to wait for a proper time to test for pregnancy. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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