Contraceptive Effectiveness After Unprotected Intercourse

Drug efficacy issues

My girlfriend's menstrual cycle is approximately from the 3rd to the 7th, with her fertile period around the 16th to the 22nd.
On the 15th of this month, after expressing our affection for about 2-3 hours, I touched semen with my hand and then masturbated (not sure if my hands were clean).
Concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, I took a single dose of emergency contraception the next day.
Then, on the 24th of the following week, I couldn't resist and engaged in intimate contact with her after washing my hands.
I made sure to dry my hands first, but I'm unsure if there were any residues.
During this intimate contact, my fingers did not reach deep inside, and I noticed an increase in the viscosity of her discharge, but I am still a bit worried.
Today (the 16th), she informed me that she noticed a pinkish tint in her discharge when she used the restroom this morning (she mentioned it was a very light pink that was hard to see against the white discharge).
Additionally, she has observed that the color of her nipples and genital area seems slightly different, although not significantly so.
I would like to know if, based on the timing of taking the emergency contraception, this situation indicates any contraceptive effectiveness.

Xiang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/27

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/03/27

More Info

Understanding contraceptive effectiveness after unprotected intercourse is crucial, especially when concerns about potential pregnancy arise. In your situation, it appears that you and your girlfriend have taken several precautions, including the use of emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") after an incident of unprotected intercourse.
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as levonorgestrel (commonly known as Plan B), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can work up to 5 days after. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait to take them. Since you mentioned that your girlfriend took the pill the day after the incident, she likely has a good chance of preventing pregnancy, especially if she took it within the recommended time frame.

Regarding the timing of your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, you noted that her period typically occurs from the 3rd to the 7th of each month, with a "danger zone" for potential ovulation around the 16th to 22nd. If her cycle is regular, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before her next period, which would place it around the 16th of this month. Since you had unprotected intercourse on the 15th, it was indeed close to her ovulation window, which increases the risk of pregnancy. However, taking the emergency contraceptive pill should significantly mitigate that risk.

The pinkish discharge your girlfriend observed could be attributed to several factors, including hormonal changes, the onset of her menstrual cycle, or even the effects of the emergency contraceptive pill. ECPs can cause changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, including spotting or changes in the color and consistency of discharge. It is not uncommon for women to experience some irregularities in their cycle after taking ECPs, which can include lighter or darker bleeding, spotting, or even a delayed period.

It is also important to note that while ECPs are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. If your girlfriend's period is delayed by more than a week from when she expects it, or if she experiences any unusual symptoms, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test for peace of mind.

In summary, based on the timeline you provided, it seems that your girlfriend has taken appropriate steps to prevent pregnancy after the incident of unprotected intercourse. The use of emergency contraception, especially when taken promptly, is a reliable method to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. However, if there are any lingering concerns or if her menstrual cycle does not return to normal, consulting a healthcare provider would be advisable for further evaluation and guidance.

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