Am I Pregnant? Post-Coital Contraception and Symptoms

Can I get pregnant?

I had sexual intercourse on the 20th of last month and I'm unsure if ejaculation occurred inside.
I took the emergency contraceptive pill about 7 days later, and my partner got her period 6 days after that.
Is there still a chance of pregnancy? However, I've been feeling very sleepy lately and have been experiencing headaches and abdominal pain.
Could this indicate pregnancy?

Sheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/16

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment.
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2021/10/16

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you might be pregnant after having unprotected intercourse, especially after taking emergency contraception, there are several factors to consider.
First, it's important to understand how emergency contraception works. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B or Ella, 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 can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) depending on the type of pill. The primary mechanism of action is to delay ovulation; if ovulation has already occurred, ECPs may not be effective.

In your case, you mentioned that you took the emergency contraceptive pill about seven days after the sexual encounter. If ovulation had already occurred, the effectiveness of the pill would be reduced. However, if you took it within the appropriate time frame and before ovulation, it is likely that the pill has prevented pregnancy.

You also noted that your partner had a menstrual period six days after you took the emergency contraception. This is a positive sign, as a regular menstrual period typically indicates that you are not pregnant. However, it is essential to remember that some women experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles after taking emergency contraception, which can lead to changes in the timing or flow of their periods.

Regarding your symptoms of fatigue, headaches, and abdominal pain, these can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, or even the side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill. ECPs can cause temporary side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort, which might explain your current symptoms. However, these symptoms are not definitive indicators of pregnancy.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. It is advisable to wait until at least the first day of your expected period for the most accurate results. If the test is negative and your period does not arrive within a week, you may want to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, based on the information provided, it seems unlikely that you are pregnant, especially since your partner had a menstrual period shortly after taking the emergency contraception. However, if you continue to experience unusual symptoms or have concerns about your reproductive health, it is always best to seek advice from a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance and support based on your specific situation.

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