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

Experiencing symptoms similar to early pregnancy after taking birth control pills?

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, headaches, and back pain, which are similar to early pregnancy symptoms.
Could she actually be pregnant?

Aelx, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/12

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.

Reply Date: 2016/02/12

More Info

When it comes to the signs of pregnancy after taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to understand how these medications work and what symptoms might indicate pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, inhibiting fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.

In your case, since you and your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill within 16 hours after unprotected intercourse, the likelihood of preventing pregnancy is relatively high, especially if ovulation had not yet occurred. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy.

The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as fatigue, headaches, and back pain, can indeed mimic early signs of pregnancy. However, these symptoms can also be side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill itself. ECPs can cause hormonal fluctuations that may lead to symptoms like nausea, fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. These side effects are generally temporary and should resolve within a few days to a week.

If your girlfriend's period is delayed by more than a week after the expected date, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is positive, it would indicate pregnancy; if negative and her period still does not arrive, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

It's also important to note that if your girlfriend experiences severe symptoms, such as intense abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or any other concerning signs, she should seek medical attention immediately, as these could indicate complications such as an ectopic pregnancy or other issues unrelated to pregnancy.

In summary, while the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to either the emergency contraceptive pill or an early sign of pregnancy, the timing of the pill taken after unprotected intercourse significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. A home pregnancy test after a missed period will provide clarity, and consulting with a healthcare provider can help address any concerns and ensure both of you are informed about reproductive health and contraception options moving forward.

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