Emergency Contraception: Your Questions Answered

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello doctor, recently my boyfriend and I had sexual intercourse around 5:30 AM on April 4th.
After we finished, I discovered that the condom had broken, and I am unsure how much sperm actually entered my body.
At that moment, I didn't have any emergency contraception, but I bought Plan B when the pharmacy opened and took it around 9 AM.
After taking it, I did not experience any discomfort or bleeding.
My menstrual cycle is usually regular, with periods on January 12, February 15, and March 15, lasting about five days each.
However, my period should have started by now, but it hasn't come yet.
Occasionally, I feel a dull ache in my abdomen, and I'm not sure if it's just psychological.
I'm very worried that I might be pregnant, but I don't know for sure...
I would like to ask if the chances of pregnancy in this situation are high.

Xiao Han, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/14

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% effective, with a failure rate of about 3%, but it is still considered a viable option for prevention.
Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be relied upon for diagnosis.
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2024/04/14

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a critical option for individuals who have had unprotected intercourse or experienced contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. In your case, you took Plan B (levonorgestrel) within a few hours after the incident, which is a responsible decision. It is important to understand how emergency contraception works, its effectiveness, and what to expect afterward.

Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. However, it can still be taken up to 5 days after the event, although its effectiveness decreases over time. Since you took the medication approximately 3.5 hours after the incident, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy. The effectiveness of Plan B is about 75-89% when taken within the recommended time frame, depending on when during your menstrual cycle you take it.

Regarding your concern about whether you might be pregnant, it is essential to consider a few factors. First, the timing of your menstrual cycle plays a significant role. If you have a regular cycle and your period is late, it could be a sign of pregnancy, but it could also be due to other factors such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, or the effects of the emergency contraceptive itself. EC can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle, including delays, earlier or later periods, and changes in flow.

The symptoms you describe, such as a feeling of heaviness in your abdomen, could indeed be psychological, especially if you are feeling anxious about the possibility of pregnancy. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations that may feel like pregnancy symptoms. However, it is also possible for EC to cause side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and changes in your menstrual cycle.

If your period does not arrive within a week of when you expect it, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally accurate if taken after a missed period. If the test is positive, you should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your options. If the test is negative but your period still does not come, it may be worth seeking medical advice to rule out any other underlying issues.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy exists after a contraceptive failure, your prompt action in taking emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. Monitor your body for any changes, and if your period does not arrive as expected, take a pregnancy test for peace of mind. Remember, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support regarding your reproductive health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Emergency Contraception: Key Questions Answered

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask the following questions regarding tomorrow, June 12 (the ovulation period): 1. If I take emergency contraception, will it reduce the chances of pregnancy? 2. What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant? 3. Can I take pre-conception pills when my ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. If I take emergency contraception tomorrow (June 12, during the fertile period), will it reduce the chances of pregnancy? Answer: Have you had any sexual intercourse since then? 2. Is the chance of pregnancy high? Answer: Have you had any sexual intercourse since then? 3. ...

Understanding Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know

Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent experience with my girlfriend. We engaged in sexual activity, but there was no ejaculation inside or outside. However, it was my first time without a condom, and I later remembered there was pre-ejaculate fluid. I bought emergency contr...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Currently, contraceptive pills are still prescription medications, so please consult a physician for an examination before taking them.

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Usage and Side Effects

Hello: I would like to inquire about the following: 1. Are there any side effects associated with the use of emergency contraception (the morning-after pill)? (I have found mostly negative reviews about its use online and in books.) 2. How long should one wait before using emerge...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is best to use contraception before engaging in sexual activity. Emergency contraception is a remedial method with an effectiveness rate of about 90%, but it can sometimes cause irregular bleeding. Therefore, preemptive contraception is preferable. As for when to take i...

Understanding Emergency Contraception: Your Questions Answered

Hello! I would like to ask you about emergency contraception - specifically, the Yuting pill. My period started on August 10, and on the evening of August 16, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend. Concerned that it might be during my ovulation period within 12 hours, I...

Dr. Huang Jianxun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
All methods of avoidance do not guarantee 100% effectiveness. Please take a pregnancy test if your period does not arrive as expected. Emergency contraception should not be taken casually, as it can have adverse effects on your health. Consider whether you have passed the fertile...