Could I be pregnant after protected sex and EC pill?

Question

Hi doctor,

My boyfriend and I had protected sex, using a new condom for each ejaculation. He used three condoms in total. The following day, I also took an emergency contraceptive (morning-after pill). It has been seven days since then, and I am experiencing some symptoms. Is there still a chance of pregnancy?

Please help.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I understand your fears, and according to the facts you have supplied, the risk of pregnancy is quite minimal. Here is why.

You had protected intercourse, using a fresh condom with each ejaculation. There were no condom breaks reported.

You used emergency contraception (Unwanted 72, which contains Levonorgestrel) within 24 hours, which is quite successful in avoiding conception.

Your current symptoms are most likely a result of the emergency drug. Typical side effects include:

Nausea.
Breast tenderness.
Mild abdominal ache.
Fatigue.
Spotting.
Early or slightly delayed periods.
It is worth noting that seven days is typically too early for actual pregnancy symptoms to show. Most early indicators of pregnancy do not appear so rapidly.

Summary:

Pregnancy risk: Extremely low.
Symptoms are most likely caused by emergency contraceptive hormones.

Recommended next steps:

Wait for your next period, which may arrive a few days earlier or later.
If your period has been delayed for more than a week, get a pregnancy test.
Based on your description, there is no compelling reason to presume pregnancy.

I hope this makes things clearer.

If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you.