Could I Be Pregnant? Should I Get Plan B?

Published: February 02, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi, I'm on birth control but I'm on antibitotic amoxcicillin. The doctors know I'' on it and I always use a second form of contraception. But last night he said some might have overflowed. I wiped down there and went to the restroom but I just feel weird today. It might just be me being nervous. What are the chances I'' pregnant? And/or should I get plan b? Thank you, Rebecca
Signed: Could I Be Pregnant? Should I Get Plan B?

Dear Could I Be Pregnant? Should I Get Plan B?,

It is true that some medicines (including some antibiotics) and supplements can lower the effectiveness of the birth control pill. If you are ever prescribed a new medication, or are considering taking any kind of supplement, it is always best to check with your doctor to find out if that particular medication or supplement will lower the effectiveness of the pill so you can use a back-up method if necessary.

In your case, it sounds like you are using a back-up method of birth control all of the time anyways. Since you said your boyfriend “overflowed,” TeenHealthFX is wondering if you meant you were using a condom and some ejaculatory fluid leaked out of the condom? However, since FX is not clear what the back-up method was and what exactly happened, the best thing to do would be to check in with the doctor prescribing your birth control pills so that you can explain the situation and find out from your doctor whether or not emergency contraception could be helpful to you. If you are uncomfortable talking to your doctor you could always visit a local Planned Parenthood health center. If you are at school today, you could also check in with your school nurse. But it is important to act quickly as emergency contraception is only effective when taken with 120 hours of having sex and works best the closer it is taken to the time you had sex.

As for feeling “weird” today, it is extremely unlikely that within 24 hours of having sex you could actually be experiencing any kind of symptom indicating pregnancy. Whatever you are experiencing is most likely a result of your feeling anxious right now. The first sign of pregnancy for most women is a missed period, not some kind of physical symptom. Second, it can take up to 6 days for sperm to reach an egg and fertilize it. So it is nearly impossible for you to have had sex last night, the egg to have been fertilized, and you already feeling symptoms of pregnancy only about 12 hours after having sex.

Again, your doctor is the best person to assess any risk for pregnancy once you explain what other medications you are taking, whether you have forgotten to take any pills lately, what back-up method you were using and what happened during sex. So please check in with your doctor as soon as possible.  

To learn more about emergency contraception, including efficacy, cost and where to buy it, click here. To learn more about how pregnancy happens, click here.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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