Post-Abortion Contraception: Risks and Timing for Pregnancy Testing - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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After undergoing a medical abortion on November 23 and 25, and confirming the success of the procedure on December 5, it is understandable that you are concerned about the possibility of becoming pregnant again shortly after. The timeline you provided indicates that you had unprotected intercourse on December 6, just a day after your follow-up appointment.
Firstly, it is important to note that after a medical abortion, it is common for the menstrual cycle to take some time to return to normal. Typically, menstruation may resume within four to six weeks post-abortion, but this can vary from person to person. Since your doctor mentioned that you could expect your period to return in about two weeks, it is possible that your body is still adjusting hormonally.

Regarding the use of emergency contraception (ella), it is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after. However, as you mentioned, if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of emergency contraception may be reduced. Since you had intercourse on December 6 and took the pill on December 7, you acted promptly, which is beneficial.

The risk of pregnancy after taking ella is not zero, especially if ovulation had already occurred. However, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is significantly lower than if no emergency contraception had been taken at all.
As for when to take a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait at least two weeks after the potential conception date for the most accurate results. In your case, since you had unprotected intercourse on December 6, you should wait until around December 20 to take a home pregnancy test. This timing allows for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy, to reach detectable levels in your urine.

If you do not get your period by the expected time or if you have any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can provide a blood test, which is more sensitive than a urine test and can detect pregnancy earlier.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy after your recent sexual encounter, taking emergency contraception like ella reduces that risk. Monitor your body for signs of menstruation, and if you have concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. Always remember that using contraception consistently in the future can help prevent unintended pregnancies and provide peace of mind.