Emergency Contraception: Symptoms and Menstrual Changes

Emergency contraception

On April 30th at 10 AM, the condom broke and semen was retained inside.
I took emergency contraception at 11 AM on the same day.
Two days later, I developed some acne on my forehead, and from May 5th, I noticed a small amount of brown discharge, which only occurred on that day.
Now, on May 7th, I am experiencing some symptoms: headache, dizziness, chest tightness, acne, and mouth sores that have persisted until now.
My period has not arrived yet.
Are these signs that my period is about to come? When is my period likely to arrive? My last menstrual period started on April 5th, and my cycle is typically 32 days.
Doctor, is there a possibility that I could be pregnant?

Yun Yun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/09

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical consultation but rather a refresher on sexual education.
For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation for Adolescent Contraceptive Guidelines" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.

Hello, the possibility of pregnancy exists even if ejaculation does not occur, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
Additionally, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
However, it is still considered a remedial method.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/05/09

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after the incident on April 30, it is important to understand how this can affect your menstrual cycle and the symptoms you are experiencing.

Firstly, it is common for emergency contraceptive pills, especially those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, to cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle. These changes can include delayed menstruation, spotting, or changes in the flow and duration of your period. The symptoms you are experiencing—headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, acne flare-ups, and oral ulcers—can also be side effects of hormonal fluctuations caused by the emergency contraceptive.

Regarding the brown discharge you noticed on May 5, this could be a sign of implantation bleeding if you were to be pregnant, or it could simply be a side effect of the emergency contraception. It is important to note that the timing of your next period can be affected by the emergency contraceptive, and it may arrive earlier or later than your usual cycle. Since your last menstrual period started on April 5 and you typically have a 32-day cycle, your next period would be expected around June 6. However, since you took EC, this timing may vary.

As for the possibility of pregnancy, while emergency contraception is effective, it is not 100% guaranteed. If your period does not arrive within a week of when you expect it, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. If the test is positive, you should consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to the emergency contraceptive you took, and it is not uncommon for your menstrual cycle to be disrupted after taking it. Monitor your symptoms, and if your period does not arrive as expected, consider taking a pregnancy test. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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