Could I Be Pregnant? Delayed Periods and Emergency Contraception

I would like to ask if this could lead to pregnancy?

Hello, I would like to inquire about my girlfriend's menstrual cycle.
Her period was originally due on January 19 but was delayed until the evening of January 26.
I accidentally had unprotected intercourse and ejaculated inside her, but she took emergency contraception within 24 hours (around 9 PM on January 27).
However, her period still hasn't arrived.
Is it possible that she could be pregnant? Her menstrual cycle has been irregular this month, and I wonder if it could be related to lack of sleep.
The last period she had was on December 22.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/28

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effects of emergency contraceptive pills on menstruation can vary; they may cause your period to come early or late.
Additionally, their contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
However, they are still considered a method of last resort.
It is recommended that if your period is more than a week late, you should check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2023/01/28

More Info

When it comes to delayed periods and the possibility of pregnancy, there are several factors to consider. Your girlfriend's menstrual cycle has shown some irregularity, with her last period starting on December 22 and her expected period on January 19 being delayed until January 26. This delay can be attributed to various reasons, including stress, changes in routine, or hormonal fluctuations.

In your case, since you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse and your girlfriend took emergency contraception (EC) within 24 hours, this significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B or Ella, are designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization when taken shortly after unprotected sex. However, it's important to note that these pills can also cause changes in the menstrual cycle, leading to delays or irregular bleeding.

Given that your girlfriend's period was already delayed before taking the emergency contraception, it is possible that her cycle is affected by stress or other factors, such as lack of sleep, which you mentioned. Stress can have a profound impact on hormonal balance, leading to delayed ovulation and, consequently, a delayed period.
If her period does not arrive within a week or so after the expected date, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable and can provide results as early as the first day of a missed period. If the test is negative and her period still does not come, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues or to discuss the effects of the emergency contraception on her cycle.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to unprotected intercourse, the timely use of emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. The irregularity of her menstrual cycle could be influenced by various factors, including stress and hormonal changes. If her period remains absent, a pregnancy test and consultation with a healthcare professional would be the next best steps to take.

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