How to Confirm You're Not Pregnant After Condom Failure?

Q: How to Confirm You're Not Pregnant After Condom Failure?

Hello： The menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of menstruation. <br>In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs around day 14. <br>Based on your description, November 7 would be around the ovulation period, which increases the likelihood of conception. <br>The succes

Do not want to become pregnant?

My period started on October 30th, and during intercourse on November 7th, the condom broke, and ejaculation occurred inside.
My boyfriend bought emergency contraception afterward.
How can I confirm that I am not pregnant?

Mo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/11

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: The menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of menstruation.
In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs around day 14.
Based on your description, November 7 would be around the ovulation period, which increases the likelihood of conception.
The success rate of emergency contraception is approximately 99.6% when taken within 24 hours and about 95% when taken within 72 hours.
However, there may be side effects such as abnormal uterine bleeding afterward.
Currently, pregnancy test kits have high sensitivity and can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception.
However, it is recommended to wait until after your missed period for a more accurate result.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2015/11/11

More Info

To confirm that you are not pregnant after a condom failure, there are several steps you can take. First and foremost, it's important to understand the timeline and the effectiveness of emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") that your boyfriend purchased.
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills: those containing levonorgestrel (like Plan B) and those containing ulipristal acetate (like Ella). Levonorgestrel is most effective within 72 hours (3 days), while ulipristal acetate can be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. If your boyfriend purchased the emergency contraceptive pill and you took it within this time frame, it significantly reduces the chance of pregnancy.

After taking the emergency contraceptive, you should monitor your menstrual cycle. Most women will experience their next period within a week or two of when it is expected. If your period comes as scheduled, it is a strong indication that you are not pregnant. However, if your period is delayed by more than a week, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally reliable and can detect pregnancy hormones (hCG) in your urine.

When taking a home pregnancy test, it is best to use the first morning urine, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG. Follow the instructions on the test carefully for the most accurate results. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, you may want to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In addition to home pregnancy tests, a healthcare provider can perform a blood test to confirm pregnancy. Blood tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests and can provide quantitative results, indicating how far along you might be if you are pregnant.

It's also important to consider that emergency contraception can cause some temporary changes in your menstrual cycle. Some women may experience earlier or later periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, or spotting. These changes are generally normal and should resolve in the following cycles.

In summary, to confirm that you are not pregnant after a condom failure:
1. Take the emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible.

2. Monitor your menstrual cycle for any changes.

3. If your period is late by more than a week, take a home pregnancy test using first morning urine.

4. If you have concerns or if the test is positive, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Lastly, if you find yourself in a situation where contraception fails, it may be beneficial to discuss long-term contraceptive options with your healthcare provider to prevent future incidents. Options include hormonal birth control methods, IUDs, or other forms of contraception that may suit your lifestyle and health needs.

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