Pregnancy Concerns After Unprotected Sex: Risks and Symptoms

Pregnancy and contraception issues?

I had my period end on January 16, and on January 20, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
The condom broke, and he ejaculated inside me.
I took the emergency contraceptive pill, Plan B, within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the incident.
Is there still a chance of pregnancy? Also, I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); is nausea a normal symptom?

An An, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/21

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Since emergency contraceptive pills primarily contain high doses of female hormones/progestins, they can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating.
If necessary, please consult a physician for evaluation and treatment.
Additionally, if your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and good health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2020/01/21

More Info

When it comes to concerns about pregnancy after unprotected sex, particularly in the context of a broken condom and subsequent use of emergency contraception, it is essential to understand the risks and symptoms involved.

First and foremost, the likelihood of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse depends on several factors, including the timing of the menstrual cycle and the effectiveness of the emergency contraception taken. In your case, since you had unprotected sex on January 20, shortly after your period ended on January 16, you were likely in the early follicular phase of your cycle. This phase typically has a lower chance of ovulation, but it is important to note that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Therefore, if you were to ovulate shortly after the unprotected intercourse, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Taking emergency contraception, such as Plan B (Levonorgestrel) or Ella (Ulipristal Acetate), within 72 hours after unprotected sex can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy. Since you took the emergency contraceptive pill within an hour after the incident, it is likely that you have minimized your risk of becoming pregnant. However, no method is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy.

Regarding your concern about experiencing nausea, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience side effects after taking emergency contraception. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns are some of the common side effects associated with these medications. If the nausea persists or worsens, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare provider to rule out other potential issues.

Additionally, you mentioned having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition can affect menstrual cycles and ovulation, making it more challenging to predict fertile windows. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods and hormonal imbalances, which can complicate the understanding of their reproductive health. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or symptoms related to PCOS, it is advisable to discuss these with a healthcare professional who can provide tailored advice and management options.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex with a broken condom is present, taking emergency contraception promptly can significantly reduce that risk. Nausea can be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill, and if you have ongoing concerns about your menstrual cycle or symptoms related to PCOS, seeking medical advice is recommended. Always remember that maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for managing your reproductive health effectively.

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