Concerns About Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse During Menstruation

Menstrual issues

Hello, I would like to ask about my situation.
My menstrual period started on March 16 and I had intercourse on the night of March 20 (without a condom and no ejaculation inside).
After that, my period stopped.
Due to my concern, I took emergency contraception the next morning.
On March 25 (around 5 PM), I noticed some light bleeding that resembled the first day of my period, with dark brown blood and slight abdominal pain.
I would like to know if this means I could be pregnant.

N, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/25

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception taken within 72 hours after intercourse is about 97%.
However, it is not 100% effective, with a failure rate of approximately 3%, but it is still considered a remedial option.
In the early stages of pregnancy, there may not be specific symptoms, and the amount of bleeding cannot be used to determine pregnancy.
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: 2019/03/25

More Info

When it comes to concerns about pregnancy after unprotected intercourse during menstruation, there are several factors to consider. First, let's clarify the timing of your menstrual cycle and the nature of your sexual activity.

Typically, a woman's menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days. Ovulation usually occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, approximately 14 days before the next period starts. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you have unprotected intercourse close to ovulation, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant.

In your case, you mentioned that your period started on March 16 and that you had unprotected intercourse on March 20. Since this was during your menstrual period, the likelihood of ovulation occurring shortly after is relatively low. However, it is important to note that some women may have irregular cycles or early ovulation, which can complicate matters.

Taking emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") the day after unprotected intercourse is a responsible decision. These pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but they can work up to five days after. The sooner you take it, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

Regarding the brown discharge you observed on March 25, this could be a few things. Brown blood often indicates old blood that is being expelled from the body, which can happen at the end of a menstrual period or as a result of hormonal changes. Mild abdominal discomfort can also be a normal part of the menstrual cycle or a side effect of taking emergency contraception.

To address your primary concern: the chances of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception are significantly reduced, especially if taken promptly. However, no method is 100% effective. If you continue to experience unusual symptoms or if your next period is late, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the likelihood of pregnancy from the scenario you described is low, it is not impossible. The use of emergency contraception is a proactive step, and monitoring your body for any changes is important. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms persist, seeking medical advice is always a good course of action.

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