Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraception

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello doctor, I have irregular menstruation.
My last period was from August 21 to August 25, and on September 3, my app indicated it was my ovulation period.
On that day, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend using a condom, but when he pulled out, the condom got stuck in my vagina (half inside and half outside the vaginal opening).
I was very worried, so I took the emergency contraceptive pill (Levonorgestrel) three hours later.
I would like to know if my recent feelings of fatigue, lower abdominal pain, occasional diarrhea, and soreness in my buttocks are side effects of the medication? Also, what is the likelihood of pregnancy after taking this emergency contraceptive? Thank you, doctor.

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/05

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after your most recent sexual intercourse.
2.
The menstrual cycle can be influenced by various psychological and physiological factors.
If your period is more than two months late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist for examination and evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/09/05

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy chances after unprotected intercourse and the use of emergency contraception, several factors must be considered. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse during your ovulation period, which is when you are most fertile. The fact that the condom partially remained inside the vagina adds to the concern about potential pregnancy. However, you took emergency contraception (Plan B) within three hours, which is a critical step in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Emergency contraception pills, such as the one you took (likely containing levonorgestrel), are designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization if taken within a specific time frame after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of these pills is highest when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours. Since you took the pill promptly, your chances of becoming pregnant are significantly reduced.

Regarding the symptoms you are experiencing—fatigue, lower abdominal pain, occasional diarrhea, and discomfort in the buttocks—these can indeed be side effects of the emergency contraception. Common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. Some women may also experience abdominal pain or cramping, which can be attributed to hormonal changes caused by the medication.

It is important to note that while emergency contraception is effective, it is not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Factors such as the timing of ovulation, the timing of taking the pill, and individual variations in how the body responds to hormonal changes can all influence the outcome. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it may be more challenging to predict ovulation and the effectiveness of the emergency contraception.

In terms of the likelihood of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception, studies suggest that it reduces the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. However, if you do not get your period within three weeks of taking the emergency contraception, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

If you continue to experience discomfort or if your symptoms worsen, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a pregnancy test if necessary, and address any concerns you may have regarding your symptoms or the effectiveness of the emergency contraception.

In summary, while your chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced due to the timely use of emergency contraception, it is still important to monitor your body for any changes. If you have any doubts or concerns, seeking medical advice is always the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Emergency Contraception

Having unprotected sexual intercourse without ejaculation on January 6, and taking emergency contraception (Plan B) within one to two hours afterward, significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is highest when taken as soon as possib...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Having unprotected intercourse on January 6 without ejaculation, and then taking emergency contraception (Plan B) within one to two hours, significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Therefore, the chance of becoming pregnant is low.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Sex

I would like to ask about the likelihood of pregnancy after having unprotected intercourse during the fertile window, followed by taking emergency contraception within approximately 30 hours. What are the chances of preventing pregnancy in this scenario?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 90%. It is best to use preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

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.

Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse

Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse with my girlfriend on Sunday, but there was no ejaculation inside. On Monday, she took the morning-after pill (36 hours after intercourse). Her menstrual cycle is irregular, typically coming once every one to two months. What is the lik...

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Qi, If emergency contraception is taken within 72 hours (the sooner after intercourse, the better), the likelihood of pregnancy is low. However, if your period is more than 3 months late, it is still advisable to visit a gynecologist for an examination and a pregnancy test...