How to avoid pregnancy after one week?

Pregnancy can begin after sperm meets an egg, and the exact timing varies with ovulation. A late period alone cannot confirm pregnancy, because stress, illness, perimenopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome can also change bleeding patterns.

Emergency contraception works best when used promptly. A clinician or pharmacist can review when sex occurred, your cycle, medicines, breastfeeding status, and any health conditions before discussing whether an option remains appropriate.

Do not have further unprotected sex while you are deciding what to do. Use condoms or another reliable contraceptive method from now on. Record the date of unprotected sex and the first day of your last period so a clinician can assess the timing.

Take a home pregnancy test when your period is due or later, following the kit instructions. If the result is negative but your period remains absent, repeat the test after a short interval or arrange a clinical test. A missed period may need assessment even when pregnancy is not the cause.

Seek urgent care for severe or one-sided lower abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding, especially after a positive pregnancy test. These symptoms need prompt assessment for complications.

Arrange medical advice promptly if you had unprotected sex and are unsure whether emergency contraception is still possible, or if you need confidential testing and contraception guidance.

Ask: Is emergency contraception still appropriate for the timing? When should I test for pregnancy? Which contraception fits my health, medicines, and plans? What symptoms should send me to urgent care?