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Took I-pill After Having Intercourse. Missed Period. Chances Of Pregnancy?

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Posted on Wed, 4 Sep 2013
Question: Hi....
My husband and I had sex on 15 july 13 and I take an ipill(one before this) within 48 hours.(Actually in this month I had to take two dose of ipill as our normal contraceptive method failed).
I had a slight bleeding on 23 July which lasted for 2 days.(flow was very-very less,and mostly a brown coloured discharge.)
My period in July started on 6 July. I expected my period to be on 3 Aug.(as it has been quite regular for three months now(11 May and 8 June).). Although my period alters once every few months.
I took a pregnancy test on 26 July,3 August, followed by one more on 7 Aug. All were negative. But my period have still not arrived.
Was the bleeding on 23 July a period for me.
Shall I expect my period around 23 Aug.or should I perform one more pregnancy test. If yes, when should I undertake one
I donot want to get pregnant.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Do A Blood Test For Beta-hCG To Confirm Pregnancy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us on XXXXXXX

According to last menstrual period (6th July), you involved in unprotected sex close to fertile days as your previous cycle was regular. I-pill gives more than 85% protection against unwanted pregnancy within 24-48 hrs. In this context, chance of pregnancy is less but you need to confirm.

Brown colored discharge on 23rd July was a withdrawal bleeding due to effect of the pill. It is quite common and normal phenomena.

Most women usually get delayed period for 1 to 2 weeks from due date after taking the pill. You have also taken I-pill 2 times in this month and it can cause late period. Hormonal imbalance and mental stress are associated with it.

Early home pregnancy test is less significant. Here, I suggest you to undergo one blood test for beta-hCG which is more reliable and confirmatory. On negative blood test, you can wait another one week to get period normally.

Otherwise, you can consult with gynecologist for next line management. In absence of pregnancy, I prefer progesterone medication (like norethisterone) to induce period of my patients. Kindly, procure a complete prescription from your treating doctor after doing a blood test.

Practice safe sex in future. Use combined OCP instead of emergency pill in regular sex. Try to avoid mental stress.

Hope, above information is helpful to you. Let me know, if you need any further clarification.

Wish your good health. Good luck.

Regards,
Dr Soumen
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (21 minutes later)
For undergoing a blood test for HCG , is a medical prescription required.
For privacy, can't I take a home pregnancy test?
I have already taken three, all of them were negative.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No Prescription Is Required For Blood hCG Test.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for your follow up query.

For undergoing blood test for beta-HCG, you do not need prescription from a doctor. You can do it from your nearest pathology centre or laboratory.

Blood test for beta HCG is more reliable and convenient in comparison to home pregnancy test. Therefore, I prefer this to rule out pregnancy.

Hope, I have answered your queries. If you do not have any query, you can close the discussion.

All the best.

Regards,
Dr Soumen
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (28 minutes later)
and when can i expect my next periods.
and after how many days does home pregnancy test produce reliable result
and what does withdrawal bleeding indicates
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
On Negative Test, Period Is Expected Within 1-2 Wk

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for your additional queries. Followings are my comments:

1) You can expect your period within 1-2 weeks from original due date after taking I-pill or other emergency contraceptive pills in the absence of pregnancy.

2) Home pregnancy test gives positive result around 95% after 2 weeks from ovulation day or near missed period. 96-99% positive result is obtained after 7 days of missed period. It depends on amount of pregnancy hormone (beta HCG) in urine and sensitivity of the pregnancy kit. For accurate result, morning urine sample is preferred after 7 days.

3) Withdrawal bleeding is a normal physiological phenomena. It occurs due to sudden withdrawal of large dose of hormonal medication (like I-pill) which leads to hormonal imbalance with falling of progesterone hormone. However, it does not mean that conception is possibly ruled out.

Hope, above questions are answered properly. You can use combined OCP in regular sex as it has dual benefits - 1) highest level of protection (99%) and 2) regularization of monthly cycle.

Take care your self.

Regards,
Dr Soumen
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra

OB & GYN Specialist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 4058 Questions

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Took I-pill After Having Intercourse. Missed Period. Chances Of Pregnancy?

Brief Answer:
Do A Blood Test For Beta-hCG To Confirm Pregnancy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us on XXXXXXX

According to last menstrual period (6th July), you involved in unprotected sex close to fertile days as your previous cycle was regular. I-pill gives more than 85% protection against unwanted pregnancy within 24-48 hrs. In this context, chance of pregnancy is less but you need to confirm.

Brown colored discharge on 23rd July was a withdrawal bleeding due to effect of the pill. It is quite common and normal phenomena.

Most women usually get delayed period for 1 to 2 weeks from due date after taking the pill. You have also taken I-pill 2 times in this month and it can cause late period. Hormonal imbalance and mental stress are associated with it.

Early home pregnancy test is less significant. Here, I suggest you to undergo one blood test for beta-hCG which is more reliable and confirmatory. On negative blood test, you can wait another one week to get period normally.

Otherwise, you can consult with gynecologist for next line management. In absence of pregnancy, I prefer progesterone medication (like norethisterone) to induce period of my patients. Kindly, procure a complete prescription from your treating doctor after doing a blood test.

Practice safe sex in future. Use combined OCP instead of emergency pill in regular sex. Try to avoid mental stress.

Hope, above information is helpful to you. Let me know, if you need any further clarification.

Wish your good health. Good luck.

Regards,
Dr Soumen