Dear Period,

It is very unlikely that you would conceive while on the last part of your cycle as the egg does not release from the ovary until the middle of the cycle (ovulation), and generally sperm only live a few days in the vaginal canal post intercourse. Especially since you have taken the emergency contraception whithin the recommended 72 hour time frame.

The Aftera you utilized contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that has been used in many birth control pills for several decades, but it is in a higher dose with Aftera. . It works mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It is possible that Aftera may preventing fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or by preventing attachment (implantation) to the uterus.Your symptoms are most likely the result of utilizing the emergency contraceptive.

Common side effects/symptoms are: menstrual changes, nausea, lower stomach (abdominal) pain, tiredness, headache, dizziness, breast pain, vomiting

Bottom line here is that you should monitor your symptoms over the next few days. If they get worse at all, especially if you have severe abdominal pain (sign of ectopic pregnancy) get an appointment with your OB/GYN for an exam. Otherwise, you can purchase and take a simple home pregnancy test. These tests are inexpensive and highly accurate when taken correctly.

Best of luck to you.