Pregnancy Chances After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Q: Pregnancy Chances After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Hello Jia： 1. A 1.6/3 timing is right around the ovulation period. Since you took emergency contraception, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low. If you're concerned, you can take a pregnancy test again in a week. 2. Emergency contraception can affect the me

Is it possible to become pregnant?

Hello, I would like to inquire about my last menstrual period, which started on May 22 and usually lasts 6-7 days with a cycle of about 28-31 days.
I had unprotected sexual intercourse on June 3, during which I used a condom, but experienced light bleeding for about a day afterward.
Concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, I took the emergency contraceptive pill Ella within 12 hours.
After taking the pill, I did not experience any post-pill bleeding.
According to my normal cycle, my period should have started around June 20, but it has not arrived.
I took a pregnancy test on the evening of June 21 and another one at my obstetrician's office on the morning of June 23, both of which showed negative results.
The doctor prescribed a three-day course of medication to induce menstruation.
Given this situation, is the likelihood of pregnancy very low? Could the delay in my menstrual period be related to the emergency contraceptive pill?

Jia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/23

Dr. Lin Xinwang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Jia: 1.
A 1.6/3 timing is right around the ovulation period.
Since you took emergency contraception, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low.
If you're concerned, you can take a pregnancy test again in a week.
2.
Emergency contraception can affect the menstrual cycle.

Reply Date: 2023/06/23

More Info

When considering the chances of pregnancy after using emergency contraception like Ella, it's important to understand how these medications work and their effects on the menstrual cycle. Ella, which contains ulipristal acetate, is a selective progesterone receptor modulator that can prevent ovulation when taken within a specific timeframe after unprotected intercourse. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 120 hours (5 days).

In your case, since you took Ella within 12 hours after the potential exposure, the likelihood of preventing pregnancy is significantly high. Studies indicate that emergency contraceptives can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 85% when taken correctly. Given that both your home pregnancy test and the follow-up ultrasound showed no signs of pregnancy, it is reasonable to conclude that the chances of conception were very low.

Regarding your delayed menstrual cycle, it is indeed possible that the emergency contraceptive has influenced your menstrual timing. Emergency contraceptives can cause temporary hormonal changes that may lead to irregularities in your cycle, including delayed periods. It is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking emergency contraception, which can manifest as a delay, earlier onset, or even changes in flow.

As for the medication prescribed by your doctor to induce menstruation, it is a common practice to use hormonal treatments to help regulate the cycle after taking emergency contraception. These medications can help prompt the onset of your period, especially if it has been delayed beyond the expected timeframe.

In summary, based on the information provided:
1. The chances of pregnancy after taking Ella within the recommended time frame are very low, especially since both tests indicated no pregnancy.

2. A delayed period can be a normal side effect of taking emergency contraception, and it does not necessarily indicate pregnancy.

3. Following your doctor's advice regarding the use of medications to induce menstruation is appropriate, as they can help regulate your cycle after hormonal fluctuations caused by the emergency contraceptive.

It's always best to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you have about your menstrual cycle or the effects of medications. If your period does not arrive after taking the prescribed medication, or if you have any other concerns, it would be wise to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation.

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