Emergency Contraception and Pregnancy Symptoms: A Guide

Emergency contraceptive pill

Your girlfriend took emergency contraception on November 1, and her period started on November 6 and lasted for six days.
You had sexual intercourse on December 4 with a condom, and a pregnancy test taken on December 7 showed negative results.
However, her period has not yet arrived, and she is experiencing some nipple tenderness.

This situation could indicate either a delay in her menstrual cycle or premenstrual symptoms.
The negative pregnancy test suggests that she is likely not pregnant, especially since it was taken shortly after the sexual encounter.
However, if her period does not arrive soon, it may be advisable for her to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

a a, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/09

Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If conception truly occurred during intercourse, the earliest a pregnancy test can detect it is two weeks after the event.
Therefore, the pregnancy test on December 7 does not hold significant meaning.
Breast tenderness can occur before menstruation or in the early stages of pregnancy, so it is advisable to monitor the situation.
If menstruation does not occur after two weeks, consider taking another pregnancy test.
Most people find that their period arrives while they are waiting.
Emergency contraception contains high doses of hormones, which can cause menstrual irregularities for some individuals.
If there is no pregnancy and menstruation does not occur for over two months, please consult a gynecologist.
Additionally, for those who frequently engage in sexual activity, it is recommended that women consider long-term use of oral contraceptives (which are the most effective form of contraception) along with the male partner using condoms (to prevent sexually transmitted infections).
This protects both partners.
Frequent use of emergency contraception can lead to menstrual irregularities and should only be used as a last resort; it is not recommended for regular use.

Reply Date: 2015/12/09

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be taken up to five days later. The most common types of emergency contraception are the levonorgestrel pill (Plan B) and the ulipristal acetate pill (ella).
In your case, your girlfriend took emergency contraception on November 1, and her period started on November 6, lasting for six days. This suggests that the emergency contraception was effective in preventing pregnancy from any prior unprotected intercourse. Following this, you had protected intercourse on December 4, and she took a pregnancy test on December 7, which showed a negative result. This is a good indication that she is not pregnant, especially considering that the test was taken shortly after the potential conception date.

However, it is important to note that hormonal contraceptives, including emergency contraception, can cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle. This can lead to irregularities such as delayed periods, breast tenderness, or other premenstrual symptoms. The tenderness in her nipples could be a symptom of hormonal fluctuations rather than a definitive sign of pregnancy.
If her period does not arrive soon, it would be advisable for her to take another pregnancy test, preferably after a week or so, to confirm the result. If she continues to experience symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, or other signs typically associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), it may just be her body adjusting after taking the emergency contraception.
In summary, based on the timeline you've provided, it seems unlikely that she is pregnant, especially with the negative pregnancy test. However, if her period does not come or if she has any concerns, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide more personalized advice and check for any underlying issues that may be affecting her menstrual cycle.
In conclusion, while emergency contraception is a reliable method to prevent pregnancy, it can cause temporary changes in menstrual patterns. If your girlfriend's symptoms persist or if there are any uncertainties, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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