Can You Get Pregnant After Using Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Q: Can You Get Pregnant After Using Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Mr. <br>Gala： Hello, if your girlfriend's period is 3 days late, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. <br>The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Emergency contraceptive pills: Am I pregnant?

Engaging in unprotected intercourse, even if it was brief and without ejaculation, carries a risk of pregnancy due to the presence of pre-ejaculatory fluid, which may contain sperm.
Taking emergency contraception like Ella (ulipristal acetate) within two hours after the encounter is a proactive measure to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
The absence of menstruation and the presence of menstrual cramps two weeks later could indicate various possibilities, including hormonal fluctuations or the effects of the emergency contraception.
It is advisable for your girlfriend to take a pregnancy test and consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Ga La, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/24

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Mr.
Gala: Hello, if your girlfriend's period is 3 days late, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2020/07/24

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, which means that if taken before ovulation occurs, they can effectively prevent the sperm from fertilizing an egg. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of ECPs diminishes significantly.

In your case, since you mentioned that the unprotected intercourse occurred and you took the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) within two hours, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy. The timing of your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is also crucial. If she was close to ovulation when the intercourse occurred, the ECP might not be as effective. However, if she was not near ovulation, the ECP should work effectively to prevent pregnancy.

Regarding the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as menstrual-like cramps without bleeding, this can be a common side effect of taking ECPs. Hormonal fluctuations caused by the pill can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, including delayed periods or altered menstrual symptoms. It is also important to note that ECPs can cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle, which may include lighter or heavier bleeding than usual, or even a missed period.

If your girlfriend's period is significantly delayed beyond her expected date, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy after using emergency contraceptive pills, taking the pill promptly after unprotected intercourse significantly reduces that risk. If your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms or if her period is delayed, a pregnancy test is the best course of action to determine her status. If there are any concerns or further questions, consulting with a healthcare provider would be beneficial for personalized advice and support.

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Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
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