What's the Chance of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse?

What is the likelihood of getting pregnant?

Your menstrual period was from April 23 to April 27, and you had intercourse with your boyfriend on May 17.
Your expected period was on May 18.
You took emergency contraception (Plan B) within an hour after intercourse.
Recently, you have experienced sharp pain in your lower abdomen and have noticed a small amount of bleeding today.

Given that you took emergency contraception shortly after unprotected intercourse, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced.
However, it is not zero.
The symptoms you are experiencing could be side effects of the emergency contraception or could indicate other factors.
It is advisable to take a pregnancy test if your period is late or if you have further concerns.
Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

LoL, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/21

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2024/05/21

More Info

The chance of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse can vary significantly based on several factors, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the use of emergency contraception, and individual physiological responses. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on May 17, which is just before your expected period on May 18. You also took emergency contraception (Plan B) within an hour after intercourse, which is a crucial step in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. It works primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases the longer you wait to take it after unprotected sex, but it can still be effective if taken within 72 hours. In some cases, it may be effective up to 5 days after intercourse, but the efficacy diminishes over time.

Given that you took the emergency contraceptive pill promptly, the chances of becoming pregnant are significantly reduced. However, it is important to note that no method of contraception is 100% effective. The likelihood of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception is estimated to be around 75-89% effective, depending on when it is taken relative to ovulation.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as abdominal pain and light spotting, can be side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill. These symptoms may occur as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. Spotting can also be an early sign of your menstrual cycle beginning, especially since you were due for your period shortly after the intercourse.
If your period is delayed by more than a week from the expected date, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test for confirmation. Additionally, if the abdominal pain becomes severe or if you experience heavy bleeding, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any complications.

In summary, while the chance of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse is not zero, your prompt use of emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. Monitoring your symptoms and taking a pregnancy test if your period does not arrive as expected will provide you with clarity on your situation. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms persist, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized advice and support.

Similar Q&A

What's the Chance of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse?

On January 10th, I had intercourse with my girlfriend. Since she didn't want to get pregnant, I used a condom. After finishing, I removed the condom and wiped my genital area with tissue. About half an hour later, we had intercourse again, but this time I moved a few times b...

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Your approach does not completely eliminate the possibility of pregnancy (a low chance does not mean no possibility). It is advisable to have regular check-ups and to use safer contraceptive methods. Wishing you peace and health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? What to Know

If you had unprotected intercourse with your boyfriend initially and then engaged in protected sex after he ejaculated, there is still a risk of pregnancy from the first encounter. The likelihood of pregnancy depends on various factors, including the timing of your menstrual cycl...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse

Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse with my girlfriend two days after her period ended, and I ejaculated inside her. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? I just took a pregnancy test, and the result was one dark line and one faint line. However, she ovul...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the failure rate of using condoms for contraception is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods. If you are uncertain about a possible pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Zhang

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on February 26 and February 28. February 26 was my first time, and February 28 was my second time. We did not use a condom, and there was no ejaculation inside. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Could I...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Similar questions have been asked too many times. Dear inquirer: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late...