Concerns After Taking Emergency Contraceptive: Signs of Pregnancy?

I have already taken the sedative, but..............?

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend last Sunday (June 29) around 2 AM.
Because we were worried about the possibility of pregnancy, I bought Plan B and she took it on June 30 at 4 PM.
However, today (July 3) at 5 PM, she is feeling very nauseous and a bit fatigued.
I would like to know if this could be a sign of pregnancy.
I'm really worried...
Am I part of that 3-4% failure rate?

Xiao Gang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/07/03

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
If conception occurs in June, pregnancy symptoms (nausea and fatigue) would not appear earlier than July 3.

2.
The nausea and fatigue may be related to medication use.

3.
Please wait to see if menstruation arrives before July 7; if not, please visit the hospital for a pregnancy test after July 10.

Reply Date: 2003/07/03

More Info

After taking emergency contraception, it is natural to have concerns about the possibility of pregnancy, especially if you and your girlfriend engaged in unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B or similar medications, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, which means that if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of the pill diminishes significantly.
In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive shortly after the sexual encounter, it is likely that it was effective in preventing ovulation. However, no method of contraception is 100% effective, and ECPs have a failure rate of about 3-4% if taken correctly. This means that while the chances of pregnancy are low, they are not zero.

The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as nausea and fatigue, can be common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills. Many women report feeling nauseous after taking ECPs, and fatigue can also occur due to hormonal changes. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate pregnancy, especially so soon after taking the emergency contraception.
Typically, if a woman is pregnant, she may not experience symptoms until a few weeks after conception, and the most common early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, breast tenderness, and increased urination. Nausea, often referred to as "morning sickness," usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy. Given that you are only a few days post-intercourse, it is unlikely that she would be experiencing pregnancy symptoms at this stage.

If your girlfriend's symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test about one to two weeks after the expected date of her next period. This timing allows for the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy, to build up to detectable levels in urine.
In the meantime, encourage her to rest and stay hydrated. If she experiences severe symptoms, such as intense abdominal pain or heavy bleeding, she should seek medical attention immediately.
In summary, while there is a small chance of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception, the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing are more likely related to the side effects of the medication rather than an indication of pregnancy. Monitoring her condition and taking a pregnancy test at the appropriate time will provide clarity and peace of mind. If there are any further concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good option.

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