Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraception

Probability of pregnancy?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask a few questions.
My menstrual period ended on June 21, and I usually have a 28-day cycle.
After that, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend from June 22 to 24.
During the first and third times, he withdrew before ejaculation, and we used a condom during the second time.
On the evening of June 25, I took emergency contraception.
Starting on June 28, I experienced abdominal discomfort, and the next day I suddenly had bleeding, which was dark brown with some small clots and of moderate volume.
During this time, I have been taking cold medicine, and I am unsure if this could lead to pregnancy or if it is related to the emergency contraception.
Since it has only been a week, I haven't taken a pregnancy test, but I am experiencing body aches, persistent abdominal discomfort, and breast tenderness.
Please help me understand this situation.
Thank you.

Lufi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/07/03

Dr. Liu Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Emergency contraceptive pills, when taken at the correct dosage and within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, can achieve approximately 95% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
However, to determine if pregnancy has occurred, one must wait two weeks and use a urine pregnancy test, as any physical discomfort cannot accurately predict pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2012/07/03

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, especially in the context of using emergency contraception, there are several factors to consider. Based on your timeline and symptoms, let’s break down the situation.

You mentioned that your menstrual cycle is typically 28 days, and your last period ended on June 21. Engaging in unprotected intercourse on June 22-24, followed by taking emergency contraception (EC) on June 25, places you in a situation where the likelihood of pregnancy is influenced by the timing of ovulation and the effectiveness of the EC.

Emergency contraception pills, such as Plan B or Ella, are designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization if taken within a specific timeframe after unprotected intercourse. Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours, while Ella can be effective up to 120 hours after intercourse. Since you took the EC shortly after the unprotected intercourse, it is likely that it had a significant chance of preventing ovulation.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as abdominal discomfort, dark brown discharge with small blood clots, and breast tenderness, could be attributed to several factors. It is important to note that after taking emergency contraception, some women experience side effects, including changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. This can manifest as spotting, heavier or lighter periods, or even a delay in the next menstrual cycle. The dark brown discharge you described is often old blood, which can occur as the body adjusts to hormonal changes induced by the EC.

Additionally, you mentioned taking cold medication during this period. While most over-the-counter medications for colds do not significantly affect the efficacy of emergency contraception, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, especially if they are prescription drugs or if you have underlying health conditions.

Given that it has only been a week since the incident, it may be too early to take a pregnancy test, as it typically takes about two weeks after conception for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to be detectable in urine. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you miss your next period, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy after using emergency contraception are generally low, they are not zero. The symptoms you are experiencing could be a result of hormonal changes from the EC, but they could also indicate other issues. Monitoring your symptoms and following up with a healthcare provider will be essential in determining your next steps and ensuring your reproductive health is managed appropriately.

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