Hi,
I know the wait is difficult, but the entire process takes about two weeks (from ovulation of an egg...to fertilization...to implantation). This is the reason that pregnancy tests do not pick up any of the pregnancy hormone until about the time of a missed period: ovulation occurs about two weeks before menstruation, so after the time an egg is released (ovulation), possibly fertilized then implanted...it would be about the time of your period that your body would be actually pregnant ("pregnant" meaning a viable pregnancy with a fertilized egg implanted in your uterus), and this is when your body produces the "pregnancy hormones" that are picked up on a pregnancy test.
Is that too detailed of an answer?
The short answer: there is no getting around waiting until you have your period. If you do not receive your period, you can take a pregnancy test at that time. (Taking Plan B may alter the time your period comes, so don't let that alarm you).
I'm curious though---did I read this correctly--that you were worried you were pregnant, and took Plan B on 7/8. "It's effective for 5 days" (this is inaccurate!)...and so because you misinterpreted that it is "effective for 5 days", you decided to have unprotected sex a couple of times after 7/8?! Are you kidding me?! I'm sorry for being so flabbergasted, but if you are really worried about being pregnant once, why would you increase your chances of being pregnant by having MORE unprotected sex, "a couple of times"?!
Plan B is not "effective for 5 days" (future). Plan B is effective 72-120 hours after a prior incident of unprotected sex (past).
In other words:
- Taking Plan B on 7/8 does not protect you for the next 3-5 days.
- Taking Plan B on 7/8 helps to protect you from the PREVIOUS 3-5 days of a prior incident of unprotected intercourse.
- Plan B works best within 0-72 hours (immediately after to 3 days) after the incident of unprotected sex, and is less effective as you near closer to the 120 hours (5 days).
- Even more important: Plan B is only 80% effective at preventing a pregnancy! It is extra assurance, and clearly states that it is not to be used as the only form of birth control. The 80% effectiveness rate is within the first 72 hours, and drops lower as you near the 120 hours. Compared this to condoms and birth control pills, that are up to 99% effective.
Why are you and your boyfriend continuing to have unprotected sex, when you've already had one "scare"? Condoms are readily available, as are birth control pills. Do you have a gynecologist that you can see, or other clinician to obtain a prescription for a hormonal contraception that is 99% effective?
Please take control of your own health, and plan for happy and healthy sexual experiences that include being well-informed and protected.
Comment Reply
Hi,
I know the wait is difficult, but the entire process takes about two weeks (from ovulation of an egg...to fertilization...to implantation). This is the reason that pregnancy tests do not pick up any of the pregnancy hormone until about the time of a missed period: ovulation occurs about two weeks before menstruation, so after the time an egg is released (ovulation), possibly fertilized then implanted...it would be about the time of your period that your body would be actually pregnant ("pregnant" meaning a viable pregnancy with a fertilized egg implanted in your uterus), and this is when your body produces the "pregnancy hormones" that are picked up on a pregnancy test.
Is that too detailed of an answer?
The short answer: there is no getting around waiting until you have your period. If you do not receive your period, you can take a pregnancy test at that time. (Taking Plan B may alter the time your period comes, so don't let that alarm you).
I'm curious though---did I read this correctly--that you were worried you were pregnant, and took Plan B on 7/8. "It's effective for 5 days" (this is inaccurate!)...and so because you misinterpreted that it is "effective for 5 days", you decided to have unprotected sex a couple of times after 7/8?! Are you kidding me?! I'm sorry for being so flabbergasted, but if you are really worried about being pregnant once, why would you increase your chances of being pregnant by having MORE unprotected sex, "a couple of times"?!
Plan B is not "effective for 5 days" (future). Plan B is effective 72-120 hours after a prior incident of unprotected sex (past).
In other words:
- Taking Plan B on 7/8 does not protect you for the next 3-5 days.
- Taking Plan B on 7/8 helps to protect you from the PREVIOUS 3-5 days of a prior incident of unprotected intercourse.
- Plan B works best within 0-72 hours (immediately after to 3 days) after the incident of unprotected sex, and is less effective as you near closer to the 120 hours (5 days).
- Even more important: Plan B is only 80% effective at preventing a pregnancy! It is extra assurance, and clearly states that it is not to be used as the only form of birth control. The 80% effectiveness rate is within the first 72 hours, and drops lower as you near the 120 hours. Compared this to condoms and birth control pills, that are up to 99% effective.
Why are you and your boyfriend continuing to have unprotected sex, when you've already had one "scare"? Condoms are readily available, as are birth control pills. Do you have a gynecologist that you can see, or other clinician to obtain a prescription for a hormonal contraception that is 99% effective?
Please take control of your own health, and plan for happy and healthy sexual experiences that include being well-informed and protected.
I wish you the best.
July 14, 2009 - 1:31pmThis Comment
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