Unknown (age 16) writes: Hi, I’m really scared so I don’t know where to begin.. Well my last period was on january 5th and lasted til about the 10th. I had unprotected sex on the 21st and my boyfriend isn’t sure if he cummed inside of me or not. I’m not on birth control.. The soonest I could get an emergency contraceptive was about 48 hours later. I took Next Choice at about 6 pm on the second evening after having sex and the second pill 12 hours later. It is now a week after having sex and I am experiencing lower back pain and cramps as if I’m getting my period. Am I pregnant?! I’m so scared, I’m only 16..
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Dear Unknown,
Ovulation (when you are most fertile) typically happens around 14 days before you expect your next period to begin. If I’m going to assume your period is an average 28 day cycle, then the 18th-21st is probably your most fertile time during the month of January. The egg can last about 24 hours or so after it’s released; sperm can last several days inside you, waiting to fertilize the egg once they find it. So … we can conclude that you had unprotected sex during a very high risk time of the month (assuming your period is regular).
Which leaves us with how effective Next Choice is at the time that you took it. (Note that current research says that you can take both Next Choice/Plan B pills at the same time to increase their effectiveness.) Levonorgestrel (the man made hormone which is found in Plan B One Step, Plan B and the generic Next Choice) is most effective when taken as soon as possible after an unprotected sex incident. The sooner you take Levonorgestrel, the higher your probability for its success. The longer you wait, the less likely it will be effective. Some studies have reported its being effective even up to 120 hours after having sex. I usually always recommend girls take it within 12 hours after having sex for best results.
Since you took it around 48 hours after having sex, that gives you fairly high odds for not getting pregnant. If I were to place a bet, then I would definitely place it on your not getting pregnant. I’d probably say you’re around 90% chance of not getting pregnant (give or take). However, I would strongly recommend that, if your next period doesn’t come, that you take a home pregnancy test around the time that your next period would have ended. The pregnancy test will verify how well the Next Choice dose worked and it will help relieve any worries.
Cheer up!
Hannah
Thanks so much. I researched Next Choice when I got it and it said I could take them at the same time but the little booklet that came witch Next Choice said not to so I didn’t wanna risk it. But is it at all possible that these cramps and back pains are side effects from Next Choice? And also, I’m very stresse and worried and get myself feeling like I’m going to throw up. Could this also be why I’m experiencing these symptoms?
Yep, the research which says you can safely take both simultaneously is the latest news on that type of contraception. For a long time, pharmacists thought it could be dangerous to take both doses simultaneously. When they discovered it was safe, they came out with Plan B One Step (which is both pills combined – Plan B is the brand name; Next Choice is a generic version). As an aside, what you never want to do is take two rounds of Plan B One Step back to back – that would be a huge dose!
As far as the symptoms, yes, those could be easily caused by Next Choice and your nerves.
Hi, I had somewhat of a situation like this. My last period was on the 2nd of January. I had sex on the 22nd of January. We used a condom, but it broke. He did not ejaculate, but we were worried about the pre-ejaculation. So about 10 hours later, I took the first Next Choice pill. and (as instructed) I took the next pill 12 hours later. I’m expecting my period in about 1-2 days, but I’m bloated, fatigued, and I think i’m urinating more frequently. (My urinating frequently may be happening on account that I drink so much soda? I’ve had a UTI before because of that.) I am also VERY stressed out. I didn’t have any symptoms from taking Next Choice, and I’m very worried that I’m pregnant. Please help??
Dear Anonymous,
Not everyone notices blatant side effects from taking emergency contraception. Because there was little sperm involved and because you took Next Choice right away, you should be fine. The bloating, fatigue and frequent urination must be related to something other than you being pregnant. You can still take a home pregnancy test maybe a week from now, but there is little reason to be worried that you are pregnant.
Good luck!
Hannah
Thank you! Do you know if by taking Next Choice, my period could be delayed? I’m still going to take a HPT, to make sure, just wondering! And all of my symptoms have subsided, for now, I think it may have been in my head. Thanks again! :)
Sure thing :) And, yes, Next Choice (and its cousin, Plan B) commonly cause changes in your cycle. Those changes can run from having your period earlier than normal, having your period delayed, or even making you completely miss your next period. Occasionally, emergency contraception can even cause lingering effects into the next month’s period too. But then you have some people who can pop the pill and barely experience anything. Don’t we wish we were in that group!
Hello:
I am very worried because I had sex march 19th and I took the next choice pill the 20th I was supposed to get my perior the 25th but I didnt instead I had some brownish bleeding for like 2 days and since then my period hasnt shown would it be a risk of me been pregnant? Please answer I am deseperat and sad