Pregnancy Chances After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello, doctor.
My last menstrual period started on January 26 and ended on January 30.
I had sexual intercourse on February 2 and 3, during which there was approximately 10 seconds of unprotected intercourse, but I used condoms for the rest of the time and took emergency contraception.
On February 9, I experienced vaginal bleeding, which stopped on February 11.
I consulted other doctors who suggested that the emergency contraception might have caused a menstrual irregularity.
As of today, March 17, my period still hasn't arrived, and I have been experiencing breast tenderness for five days along with occasional bloating in my lower abdomen.
On March 15, I used a pregnancy test, but due to improper handling, urine accidentally dripped directly onto the test strip, and the result was negative.
I would like to know if there is still a possibility of pregnancy, or if there might be an issue with my uterus, or if the emergency contraception is the cause of my menstrual irregularity.

Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/17

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills taken within 72 hours after intercourse is approximately 97%.
However, it is not 100%, and there is about a 3% failure rate.
Early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment.
There are many reasons for bleeding outside of the menstrual period (such as lesions in the reproductive organs, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, etc.).
It is advisable to consult a physician for an evaluation of the cause.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2023/03/17

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after using emergency contraception, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of intercourse, the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), and the potential side effects that can affect your menstrual cycle.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation. If taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, they can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. However, their effectiveness decreases the longer you wait to take them after intercourse. If you took the ECP shortly after the unprotected incident, your chances of preventing pregnancy are significantly higher.

In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse for about 10 seconds, followed by consistent condom use and taking the emergency contraceptive. Given that you took the ECP, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low, especially if you took it within the recommended time frame. However, it is important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy.

Regarding your symptoms, such as breast tenderness and abdominal bloating, these can be side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill. ECPs can cause hormonal fluctuations that may lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, including delayed periods, spotting, or even early menstruation. The bleeding you experienced on February 9 could be a side effect of the ECP rather than a regular menstrual period.
The fact that you have not had your period by March 17, along with the symptoms you described, could indicate a few possibilities:
1. Pregnancy: Although you received a negative result from the pregnancy test, it is crucial to ensure that the test was taken correctly and at the right time. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If you tested too early, it might not detect pregnancy.

2. Hormonal Imbalance: The emergency contraceptive can disrupt your hormonal balance, leading to changes in your menstrual cycle. This can result in delayed periods or other symptoms like breast tenderness and bloating.

3. Other Medical Issues: If your period does not arrive soon, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to rule out other potential issues, such as ovarian cysts or other gynecological conditions.

In conclusion, while the chances of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception are low, they are not zero. If your period does not arrive soon, consider taking another pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and help determine the best course of action. It's also essential to discuss any ongoing symptoms you may have to ensure that you receive appropriate care.

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