Emergency Contraception: Risks and Effects After Unprotected Sex

Emergency contraceptive pill

Doctor, excuse me, I would like to ask a question.
On July 5th, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
At first, we did not use a condom, but after a few thrusts, we put one on.
Later, I felt uneasy about it and bought emergency contraception, which she took without any issues.
On the evening of July 12th, she experienced vaginal bleeding, which decreased by July 14th.
Additionally, on the afternoon of July 12th, I rubbed against her genital area.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/14

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On July 5th, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
Initially, we did not use a condom, but after a few thrusts, we switched to using one.
Later, I felt uneasy about the situation and went to buy emergency contraception, which I took without any noticeable side effects.
On the evening of July 12th, she experienced vaginal bleeding, which decreased by July 14th.
Additionally, on the afternoon of July 12th, I rubbed against her genital area.
Is there a chance of pregnancy from this? Answer: There is no chance of pregnancy from this.

Reply Date: 2019/07/14

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception (EC) and the associated risks of pregnancy after unprotected sex, it's essential to understand how these methods work and the potential effects they may have on your menstrual cycle and overall health.

In your situation, you had unprotected intercourse on July 5, followed by the use of a condom shortly after. You then took emergency contraception, which is a responsible step to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, although some types can be effective up to 5 days later. The sooner you take them, the better the chances of preventing ovulation and, consequently, pregnancy.

Regarding the bleeding your girlfriend experienced on July 12, it is not uncommon for ECPs to cause changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. This can include spotting or breakthrough bleeding, which may occur as a side effect of the hormones in the emergency contraceptive. The bleeding you described, starting heavy and then tapering off, could be a result of the ECPs and does not necessarily indicate pregnancy. However, it is also important to note that some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking ECPs, including delayed periods or changes in flow.

As for the concern about the possibility of pregnancy from the friction that occurred after taking the emergency contraceptive, it is important to clarify that pregnancy can occur if sperm comes into contact with the vaginal area, even without penetration. However, the risk is significantly lower compared to unprotected intercourse. If there was no ejaculation and the contact was limited, the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced, but not eliminated entirely.

If your girlfriend's period is delayed beyond a week from when it was expected, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant. These tests are generally reliable and can provide peace of mind. If the test is positive or if she has any concerns about her health, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while the use of emergency contraception is an effective way to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, it can lead to temporary changes in menstrual bleeding. The risk of pregnancy from subsequent non-penetrative contact is lower, but not zero. Monitoring her menstrual cycle and taking a pregnancy test if her period is late will provide the best indication of her status. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support regarding reproductive health and contraception.

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