Emergency Contraception: Pregnancy Risks and Symptoms Explained

Concerns about emergency contraception and the possibility of pregnancy?

Hello, Doctor.
On January 24, I had intercourse (the day after my period ended).
We used a condom, but since the lights were off, I’m not sure if it was put on correctly, and I didn’t check it afterward.
The next day, January 25, I bought emergency contraception but I’m a bit unsure if I took it (I think I did because I felt some heaviness in my abdomen).
My menstrual cycle is irregular; the last three cycles were: October 27 to November 2, December 11 to December 17, and January 16 to January 22.
However, I also had intercourse on January 27 (four days after my period ended).
We used a condom and checked it with water, and it didn’t break.
Today is the sixth day after taking the medication, and this morning I noticed some light bleeding (I will continue to observe this).
I have also been experiencing abdominal heaviness and lower back pain (which feels like premenstrual symptoms).
I would like to ask the doctor if this slight bleeding could still indicate a possibility of pregnancy? And this shouldn’t be considered my period, right? If it’s not, will I still have another menstrual period? But if this bleeding lasts for seven days, would that count as a period? What are the chances of pregnancy in this case? (I really hope I’m not pregnant; I’m quite worried 😓).
Is the earliest time to take a pregnancy test 10 days after intercourse? How long should I wait to be certain that I’m not pregnant? Thank you for your response.
🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

Pei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/31

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation, so just monitor the situation.
You can take a pregnancy test 12 days after unprotected intercourse.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/01/31

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. It is important to understand how it works, the risks associated with pregnancy, and the symptoms that may arise during this period.

In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse on January 24 and taking emergency contraception the following day. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. However, some types of emergency contraception can be effective up to 5 days after intercourse. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as abdominal discomfort and back pain, can be common side effects of emergency contraception, as well as premenstrual symptoms.

The light bleeding you observed could be a side effect of the emergency contraception, known as withdrawal bleeding, which can occur as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes. This bleeding is not considered a menstrual period, and it may not indicate whether you are pregnant or not. If the bleeding continues for several days, it could be a sign that your body is responding to the hormonal changes, but it does not definitively rule out pregnancy.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of pregnancy, it is essential to note that while emergency contraception significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, it is not 100% effective. If you have taken the emergency contraception correctly and are experiencing bleeding, the likelihood of pregnancy is lower, but not impossible.
To confirm whether you are pregnant, the best time to take a pregnancy test is at least 10 days after the unprotected intercourse. This allows enough time for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to build up in your urine if you are pregnant. If you take the test too early, it may yield a false negative result. For the most accurate results, it is advisable to wait until the first day of your expected period or at least two weeks after the potential conception date.

If you continue to experience unusual symptoms or if the bleeding does not resemble your typical menstrual cycle, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test or ultrasound to determine if you are pregnant and provide further guidance on your options.

In summary, while emergency contraception is a reliable method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it is not foolproof. The symptoms you are experiencing may be side effects of the medication or related to your menstrual cycle. Monitoring your symptoms and taking a pregnancy test at the appropriate time will help clarify your situation. If you have any further concerns or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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