Am I Pregnant? Contraceptive Pills and Risks

Can I get pregnant?

If you had unprotected intercourse on the evening of the sixth day after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, and it was also the second day after your menstrual period, the likelihood of pregnancy is generally low.
Emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent ovulation and are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
The symptoms you are experiencing, such as stomach discomfort and nausea, could be side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill rather than signs of pregnancy, especially since you have taken two pregnancy tests on the seventh and tenth days post-intercourse, both of which returned negative results.

In general, if you have taken the emergency contraceptive pill correctly and have had negative pregnancy tests, the probability of pregnancy is low, likely under 5%.
However, if you continue to have symptoms or have concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/21

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Having unprotected intercourse with ejaculation on the evening of the sixth day after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, which coincided with the second day after your menstrual period, generally presents a low risk of pregnancy.
The symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea you are experiencing are not uncommon and may not necessarily indicate pregnancy.
The negative pregnancy tests on the seventh and tenth days further suggest that the likelihood of pregnancy is very low, estimated to be close to zero.

Reply Date: 2019/01/21

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy and the effectiveness of contraceptive pills, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of intercourse, the type of contraceptive used, and individual physiological responses.

Firstly, it’s important to clarify how contraceptive pills work. Most contraceptive pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly, these pills are highly effective, with typical use showing about a 91% effectiveness rate. This means that while they significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy, there is still a small risk if the pills are not taken consistently or correctly.

In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on the sixth day of taking the contraceptive pill, which was also two days after your menstrual period ended. If you have been taking the pill consistently and correctly since the first day of your cycle, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, if there was any inconsistency in taking the pill (e.g., missing a dose or taking it at irregular times), this could increase the risk of pregnancy.

Regarding your symptoms of nausea and discomfort, these can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal changes from the contraceptive pills, anxiety about potential pregnancy, or even gastrointestinal issues unrelated to pregnancy. It’s also worth noting that early pregnancy symptoms can sometimes be similar to side effects of hormonal contraceptives.

You mentioned that you took pregnancy tests on the 7th and 10th days after intercourse, both showing a single line, which typically indicates a negative result. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when taken after a missed period, but they can sometimes yield false negatives if taken too early. Since you are still within the early stages of your cycle, it is possible that the hormone levels are not yet high enough to be detected by the test.

To assess your risk of pregnancy more accurately, consider the following:
1. Consistency of Pill Use: Have you taken your contraceptive pills at the same time every day without missing any doses?
2. Timing of Intercourse: Engaging in intercourse shortly after your period, while on the pill, generally poses a lower risk of pregnancy.

3. Symptoms: While nausea can be a symptom of pregnancy, it is not definitive. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be beneficial to wait a few more days and take another pregnancy test, or consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They can provide more personalized advice and may recommend a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier than home tests.

In summary, if you have been taking your contraceptive pills correctly, the chances of pregnancy are low. However, if you have any doubts or if your symptoms continue, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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