Pregnancy Chances After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello, doctor.
My question is that on July 20th, I had external friction for about five minutes (no penetration or ejaculation).
I am currently a virgin (the most I have done is a slight penetration that did not cause pain).
Afterward, I was worried and took the emergency contraceptive pill, Ella, within three hours.
At that time, I had a slight cold but did not take any cold medicine.
My period in June was on June 21st, so July 20th should have been within the safe period.
After taking the emergency contraceptive, I got my period on July 23rd, which was a normal amount of bleeding with a normal color, and my period ended on July 29th.
However, this month, as of today, August 30th, my period has not yet arrived.
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dull pain in my lower abdomen, sometimes a lack of appetite, and a bit of nausea (not sure if it’s psychological).
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Could it also be due to irregularities from poor sleep habits or the effects of the emergency contraceptive?

Mo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/30

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Last month on July 20, I had external friction for about five minutes (no penetration, no ejaculation).
I am currently a virgin (the most I have done is a slight penetration that did not cause pain).
Afterward, I was worried and took the emergency contraceptive pill, Yuzpe regimen, within three hours.
At that time, I had a slight cold but did not take any cold medication.
My period in June was on June 21, and July 20 should have been a safe period.
After taking the contraceptive pill, I got my period on July 23, which was a normal flow and color, and it ended on July 29.
However, this month, as of today, August 30, my period has not arrived.
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dull pain in my lower abdomen, sometimes a lack of appetite, and slight nausea (not sure if it's psychological).
Is it possible that I could be pregnant? Answer: It is unlikely that I am pregnant.
My irregular menstrual cycle could be due to poor sleep habits and the effects of the contraceptive pill.
Answer: Irregular menstruation due to poor lifestyle habits.

Reply Date: 2019/08/30

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after using emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) like Plan B, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of intercourse, the effectiveness of the medication, and individual physiological responses.

Firstly, emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after. In your case, since you took the ECP within three hours after the incident, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy. Studies suggest that ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within the recommended time frame.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, it's important to note that ECPs can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle. After taking the pill, some women may experience earlier or later periods, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual. You mentioned that you had a normal period on July 23, which is a good sign that the ECP worked effectively. However, since you have not had your period by August 30, it is understandable to feel concerned.

The symptoms you describe—lower abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and nausea—can be attributed to several factors. Stress and anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy can lead to psychosomatic symptoms, where your mind influences your physical state. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as irregular sleep patterns and diet can also affect your menstrual cycle and overall well-being.

To address your concerns about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is negative and you still do not get your period, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to explore other potential causes for your missed period, such as hormonal imbalances or other health issues.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception are low, they are not zero, especially if the timing of ovulation coincided with the unprotected intercourse. Given your recent symptoms and missed period, taking a pregnancy test will provide clarity. If you have further concerns or if the test is positive, seeking medical advice is crucial for your health and peace of mind. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress can also positively impact your menstrual health.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effectiveness After Unprotected Sex

If I had sexual intercourse on June 4th and took a single dose of emergency contraception immediately afterward, is there still a chance of becoming pregnant?

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On June 4th, sexual intercourse occurred, and the emergency contraceptive pill was taken immediately afterward. With just one dose of the emergency contraceptive, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: The chance of pregnancy is 5-10%.

Chances of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex and Emergency Contraceptive Use

My last menstrual period started on January 7, and my cycle is approximately 30 days. I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on January 29, but he did not ejaculate inside; he pulled out and took a while to ejaculate afterward. However, we are still a bit concerned becau...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low; just monitor the situation. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

If the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) was taken within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse (with ejaculation occurring 1500 the previous day and the pill taken at 1430 the following day), the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, no emergency contra...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The emergency contraceptive pill was taken one dose of "Yuzhu" close to 24 hours after unprotected intercourse (the previous day at 3:00 PM). Will this result in pregnancy? If so, what should I do? Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is low in this case.

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Emergency Contraceptive Use

I would like to ask if I had unprotected intercourse about 5 days after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, and then experienced bleeding the next day (similar to a regular menstrual flow) for about 3 to 4 days. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Thank yo...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, if you have unprotected intercourse about 5 days later and experience bleeding the next day (similar in volume to a regular menstrual period) lasting about 3 to 4 days, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.