Could I Be Pregnant? Menstrual Changes and Contraception

Can I get pregnant?

At the beginning of the month, menstruation occurred from July 4 to July 10.
Then, on July 12, there was unprotected sexual intercourse, but withdrawal was practiced before ejaculation.
To be cautious, emergency contraception was taken from July 21 to July 26.
Another menstrual period occurred, but it was lighter than usual.
It's unclear whether this is due to the emergency contraception or if it was affected by my girlfriend's cold and the medication she took for it, which may have disrupted her cycle.
Originally, her next period was expected around August 20, but it arrived early on July 14.
I read online that it's still possible to get pregnant during menstruation, which has caused some concern, especially since her abdomen appears enlarged.
However, she is not experiencing constipation and has regular bowel movements.

56, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/18

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear 56,
Emergency contraceptive pills can likely affect your menstrual cycle, but pregnancy should primarily be confirmed through a pregnancy test.
If you are concerned, you can purchase a home pregnancy test at a pharmacy or visit an obstetrician-gynecologist for a more reliable examination.

Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2020/08/18

More Info

When it comes to understanding the complexities of pregnancy, menstrual changes, and contraception, it's essential to consider various factors that can influence these aspects. Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing some confusion regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle and the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

Firstly, let's clarify the menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person, ranging from 21 to 35 days. The menstrual cycle is divided into several phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Ovulation usually occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, and this is when a woman is most fertile. If unprotected intercourse occurs around this time, there is a higher chance of conception.

In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on July 4 and ended on July 10. If we assume a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation would likely occur around July 18. Since you had unprotected intercourse on July 12, this timing suggests that there was a possibility of pregnancy, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days.

You also mentioned that your girlfriend took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") from July 21 to July 26. Emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse and is most effective when taken as soon as possible. However, it can cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular bleeding or changes in the timing of the next period.

Following the use of emergency contraception, you noted that your girlfriend experienced another menstrual-like bleeding episode, which could be a side effect of the medication. It's not uncommon for women to experience lighter or irregular periods after taking emergency contraception. The hormonal changes induced by the medication can lead to variations in menstrual flow and timing.

You expressed concern about the possibility of pregnancy despite the occurrence of a menstrual-like bleeding. It is important to note that while it is less likely to conceive during menstruation, it is still possible. If your girlfriend's period was lighter than usual or if she experienced any unusual symptoms, it might be wise to take a home pregnancy test for reassurance. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period.

Regarding the abdominal swelling you mentioned, it could be due to various factors, including hormonal changes, bloating, or even stress. If your girlfriend is experiencing significant discomfort or if the swelling persists, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances, the use of emergency contraception and the subsequent menstrual-like bleeding may indicate that pregnancy is less likely. However, if there are any doubts or concerns, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare professional would be the best course of action. They can provide personalized advice and address any specific health concerns your girlfriend may have.

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