Am I Pregnant? Emergency Contraception and Symptoms

Will this lead to pregnancy?

I had intercourse with my boyfriend two weeks ago, but he did not ejaculate.
However, I was worried, so I bought the emergency contraceptive pill (Ella) and took it within 12 hours.
Then, on that Sunday of the same week, my period came, but it was about six days early.
It felt like a small amount, and now it has stopped.
After taking the pill, my abdomen became hard and I experienced pain.
I also have a history of gastrointestinal issues, and I've been having diarrhea for the past few days.
Is there a chance I could be pregnant?

Ling Ling, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/14

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Even without ejaculation, the fluid that comes from the male penis may still contain some sperm, which means there is still a possibility of pregnancy.

2.
Taking emergency contraceptive pills can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy by up to 80%.

3.
There are many potential causes for lower abdominal tenderness, including enteritis, uterine inflammation, peritonitis, internal bleeding, and others.
It is advisable to visit a hospital for further examination and treatment.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/07/14

More Info

It sounds like you have a lot on your mind regarding your recent sexual activity and the use of emergency contraception. Let's break down your concerns and clarify some important points about pregnancy, emergency contraception, and the symptoms you are experiencing.

First, it's important to understand how emergency contraception (EC) works. The emergency contraceptive pill (like Plan B or similar brands) is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but it can work up to 5 days after. Since you mentioned that you took the pill within 12 hours, you acted promptly, which increases the chances of preventing pregnancy.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, it is not uncommon for the timing and flow of your period to be affected after taking emergency contraception. Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle after using EC, including earlier or later periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, and even spotting. The fact that your period came about six days early and was lighter than usual could be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill. This is a common occurrence and does not necessarily indicate pregnancy.

As for your abdominal discomfort, it is possible that the hardness and pain you are feeling could be related to the hormonal changes caused by the emergency contraception, especially if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues. Stress and anxiety about the possibility of being pregnant can also lead to physical symptoms, including abdominal cramping or discomfort. Additionally, if you are experiencing diarrhea, it could be a separate issue related to your gastrointestinal health rather than a sign of pregnancy.

To address your concern about whether you might be pregnant: if you took the emergency contraception as directed and your period arrived, even if it was lighter than usual, the likelihood of pregnancy is low. However, if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, or if your period is significantly delayed (more than a week after your expected date), it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test for peace of mind. These tests are generally reliable and can help clarify your situation.

In summary, based on the information you provided, it seems unlikely that you are pregnant, especially since you took emergency contraception promptly and your period arrived, albeit earlier and lighter than usual. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms worsen, I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and conduct any necessary examinations to ensure your health and well-being.

Remember, it's always best to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any symptoms or concerns you have, especially regarding reproductive health. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation and help alleviate any anxiety you may be experiencing.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Pregnancy Symptoms or Side Effects?

Having intercourse on the day of ovulation while using a condom and taking emergency contraception within four hours may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. However, if your period is two days late and you are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms such as frequent urination, diar...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, I apologize for not being able to provide a diagnosis based on what you've described. It is possible that you may be pregnant. If you continue to experience discomfort, I recommend seeing a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Signs of Pregnancy After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills: What to Know

Hello Doctor: My girlfriend and I had unprotected intercourse on February 7th, but I did not ejaculate. The next day, I realized it was during her fertile window, so I bought emergency contraception about 16 hours later. However, recently she has been experiencing fatigue, headac...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, menstruation typically indicates whether one is pregnant or not. If there are still any discomforts, it is advisable to visit a gynecologist for an examination. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Symptoms and Concerns

If you took emergency contraception three hours after unprotected intercourse and then experienced abdominal pain, cold sweats, and bleeding about five hours later, it is possible that these symptoms are related to the medication rather than a sign of a fertilized egg that has no...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The most common side effect of emergency contraceptive pills is nausea, followed by lower abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and vomiting. Additionally, symptoms such as breast tenderness and vaginal bleeding may occur. Therefore, your symptoms are likely caused by the e...

Concerns After Taking Emergency Contraceptive: Signs of Pregnancy?

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend last Sunday (June 29) around 2 AM. Because we were worried about the possibility of pregnancy, I bought Plan B and she took it on June 30 at 4 PM. However, today (July 3) at 5 PM, she is feeling very nauseous and a bit fatigued. I would...

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. If conception occurs in June, pregnancy symptoms (nausea and fatigue) would not appear earlier than July 3. 2. The nausea and fatigue may be related to medication use. 3. Please wait to see if menstruation arrives before July 7; if not, please visit the hospital for a preg...