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Is Pregnancy Possible Despite Taking Plan B?
Question: I had unprotected sex Friday Sept 2 and took the Plan B One Step pill around noon the next day. My period is due tomorrow. I took an "early detection 5 days sooner" pregnancy test last night that read "not pregnant" but is there a chance I may still be pregnant? I have an appointment with my ob/gyn Thursday but I'm panicking.
Brief Answer:
Too early to be certain with regard to pregnancy or not...
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the question and I am happy to help. Let's start with some background:
1. The first day of your period is day#1
2. Most women get their next period on day#28
3. Most women ovulate around day#14
4. It sounds like you had intercourse right around day#16
5. So you had intercourse at a point in your cycle where you are 'fertile'
6. A standard pregnancy test will not turn positive until about two weeks after conception (so you are probably testing too early)
7. PlanB does not work as well if you have already ovulated (it works by delaying ovulation), so you are definitely at risk for pregnancy
So, in answer to your question:
1. Please do not panic. The chance of pregnancy is relatively low - probably only about 15%
2. A pregnancy test will accurately reflect whether or not you are pregnant by the end of the week
3. PlanB often delays the onset of your next period, so you might not get your period when you think you should. Do not let this panic you as it is a common problem with PlanB - it screws up your cycle in the month that you take it.
Does this answer your question?
Dr. Tim
Too early to be certain with regard to pregnancy or not...
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the question and I am happy to help. Let's start with some background:
1. The first day of your period is day#1
2. Most women get their next period on day#28
3. Most women ovulate around day#14
4. It sounds like you had intercourse right around day#16
5. So you had intercourse at a point in your cycle where you are 'fertile'
6. A standard pregnancy test will not turn positive until about two weeks after conception (so you are probably testing too early)
7. PlanB does not work as well if you have already ovulated (it works by delaying ovulation), so you are definitely at risk for pregnancy
So, in answer to your question:
1. Please do not panic. The chance of pregnancy is relatively low - probably only about 15%
2. A pregnancy test will accurately reflect whether or not you are pregnant by the end of the week
3. PlanB often delays the onset of your next period, so you might not get your period when you think you should. Do not let this panic you as it is a common problem with PlanB - it screws up your cycle in the month that you take it.
Does this answer your question?
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Yes, thank you. Would my ob/gyn be able to do an accurate blood test when I have my appointment this thursday?
Brief Answer:
Yes, a blood test would be a great idea!
Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much. I am sorry that I did not mention this, but a 'quantitative HCG level' would be an excellent idea and will detect a pregnancy at this point if it is present.
I wish you the best of luck!
Dr. Tim
Yes, a blood test would be a great idea!
Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much. I am sorry that I did not mention this, but a 'quantitative HCG level' would be an excellent idea and will detect a pregnancy at this point if it is present.
I wish you the best of luck!
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for all of your help! I greatly appreciate it! My last question is how long does it usually take for a blood test to come back?
Brief Answer:
Less than three hours
Detailed Answer:
If the blood is drawn and immediately sent to lab, it can be run STAT and the result is available well under three hours. You should be able to get the result the same day that it is drawn. Make an appointment for the morning so the result is back before the end of the clinic day.
Dr. Tim
Less than three hours
Detailed Answer:
If the blood is drawn and immediately sent to lab, it can be run STAT and the result is available well under three hours. You should be able to get the result the same day that it is drawn. Make an appointment for the morning so the result is back before the end of the clinic day.
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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