Am I Pregnant? Post-Coital Contraception and Symptoms

Fear of being pregnant?

If a doctor performed internal ejaculation and the emergency contraceptive pill was taken more than 72 hours after ovulation, is there still a possibility of fertilization and pregnancy? If the abdomen feels increasingly larger, does that indicate pregnancy, or could it be due to a lack of exercise and weight gain from sitting for extended periods?

táng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/07

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraception is more effective within 72 hours; its efficacy decreases after that time.
You can take a pregnancy test 12 days after intercourse to determine if you are pregnant.
If it has been more than 12 days, you can still try testing.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/05/07

More Info

When it comes to understanding the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse and the use of emergency contraception, it's essential to consider several factors. In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse and took emergency contraception (commonly referred to as the "morning-after pill") but that it was more than 72 hours since intercourse to your ovulation day.
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. However, some forms of emergency contraception, such as ulipristal acetate (Ella), can be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. If you took a form of emergency contraception that is effective beyond 72 hours, there may still be a chance to prevent pregnancy, but the effectiveness decreases the longer you wait.

Regarding your symptoms, such as an increasing abdominal size, it is important to differentiate between potential pregnancy and other factors that could contribute to abdominal distension. If you are experiencing bloating or a feeling of fullness, this could be due to various reasons, including hormonal changes, dietary factors, or lack of physical activity, which can lead to weight gain or bloating.
To determine if you are pregnant, the most reliable method is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you take a pregnancy test and it shows a positive result, it is advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and confirmation.

If you are still unsure, or if your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a more thorough assessment, including a physical examination and possibly a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test.

In summary, while the likelihood of pregnancy decreases after taking emergency contraception, especially if it has been more than 72 hours since intercourse, it is not entirely ruled out depending on the type of emergency contraception used. Your abdominal symptoms could be related to various factors, and the best course of action is to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.

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