Emergency Contraception: Effectiveness and Menstrual Delay Concerns

Emergency contraceptive pill

Having intercourse with your boyfriend on the day of ovulation, even without ejaculation, poses a risk of pregnancy, especially if the condom slipped down to the glans and did not fully come off.
Taking the emergency contraceptive pill, Ella, shortly after the incident can significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy.
However, no method of contraception is 100% effective.
If you do not become pregnant, it is possible for your menstrual cycle to be delayed due to the hormonal effects of the emergency contraceptive pill.
It is not uncommon for periods to be irregular or delayed after taking emergency contraception.
If your period is significantly late or you have concerns, consider taking a pregnancy test or consulting a healthcare provider for further advice.

48, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/11

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical advice but rather a refresher on sexual education credits.
For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology's "Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance."
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception taken within 72 hours after intercourse is approximately 97%, but it is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Additionally, the impact of emergency contraception on menstruation can vary; it may not necessarily cause a period to come early or be delayed.
It is advised that if your period is more than a week late, you should still check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2016/04/11

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a critical option for individuals who have had unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. In your case, since you had intercourse on your ovulation day and took Ella (ulipristal acetate) shortly after, you have taken a significant step to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Effectiveness of Ella:
Ella is known to be effective in preventing pregnancy when taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. It works primarily by delaying ovulation, which is crucial since you mentioned that the intercourse occurred on your ovulation day. Studies have shown that Ella is more effective than levonorgestrel (Plan B) in situations where ovulation is imminent. The effectiveness of Ella is approximately 85% when taken within the recommended time frame, but it is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected intercourse.

Pregnancy Risk:
Given that you took Ella promptly after the incident, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is significantly reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy. If you experience any symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness, it would be prudent to take a pregnancy test.

Menstrual Delay Concerns:
It is not uncommon for emergency contraception to cause changes in your menstrual cycle. Many individuals report a delay in their next period after taking EC. This can be attributed to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. Ella can alter the timing of ovulation and, consequently, the menstrual cycle.
Typically, your period should arrive within a week of the expected date. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. Additionally, some individuals may experience spotting or an irregular cycle after taking emergency contraception, which is generally not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.

Conclusion:
In summary, taking Ella after the incident significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, especially since it was taken shortly after unprotected intercourse during ovulation. While a delay in your menstrual cycle is possible, it is usually temporary. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance. Always remember that regular contraceptive methods are more effective for ongoing prevention of unintended pregnancy.

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