Can conception occur after taking contraceptive pills?

Question

Hello doctor,

My fiancé and I had intercourse, and by accident, the condom broke, allowing semen to enter her vagina. She immediately took an Unwanted 72 pill. We are very worried that this could lead to pregnancy, as we cannot afford it now. She started having cramps three to four days before this happened, which means her period was about to come. Does this mean the fertilization window is over?

Her endometrial thickness is 6mm, as per the scan that day. She has irregular periods, and her last period was a month ago. She did not get her period during the next month.

Please help, as we are very worried.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Based on your description, these symptoms could be due to a hormonal imbalance or possibly due to pregnancy, although the chances are very low. Since you have irregular periods, it could be an anovulatory cycle.

I suggest you follow the steps below:

I suggest you get a blood test (beta hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin level) to rule out pregnancy, as this is the only confirmatory test at this early stage.
A urine test can only be positive after seven days from your missed period date.
Get a pelvic ultrasound to check endometrial thickness and investigate other causes of your symptoms.
Also, get your thyroid profile and hemoglobin levels tested.
For abdominal pain, you can take a painkiller or use hot fomentation.
You should follow a high-protein diet and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. You can also take iron and calcium supplements.

It is normal at your age to experience bleeding like this due to hormonal changes, so there is no need to worry.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

The chances of pregnancy are not present in your case. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within five to ten days after taking the emergency contraceptive pill. A beta hCG test can be taken as early as 16 days after intercourse, which in your case would be 15 days ago.

I hope this helps.

Please let us know if you have any further queries. We would be happy to answer.

Thank you.