Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Side Effects or Pregnancy?

Emergency contraceptive pill

On May 3, my menstrual period started, and it seemed to end around May 8 or 9.
My cycle is irregular, but it usually lasts about 7 days.
I had intercourse with my boyfriend on the evening of May 10, where he entered before putting on a condom, and we had unprotected intercourse briefly after withdrawing.
The next morning, on May 11, I felt a heat sensation throughout my body.
Due to my anxiety, I took an emergency contraceptive pill on the evening of May 11.
After taking the emergency contraceptive, I felt very fatigued all day on May 12.
Could this be a side effect of the contraceptive pill, or could I be pregnant?

Xiao Liu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test is generally reliable after 12 days of conception.
The chances of pregnancy are low, so it's best to use preventive measures beforehand.
It could be a side effect of the contraceptive pill; monitoring your symptoms is advisable.
If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/05/12

More Info

Understanding the use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and their potential side effects is crucial for anyone who may find themselves in a situation where they need to prevent an unintended pregnancy. In your case, you mentioned taking an emergency contraceptive pill (commonly referred to as "后安錠" or similar) after an incident of unprotected intercourse. Let's break down your concerns regarding the side effects of the pill and the possibility of pregnancy.

Firstly, it's important to understand how emergency contraceptive pills work. ECPs are designed to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg if taken within a certain timeframe after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 120 hours after intercourse.

Regarding your timeline, you had intercourse on May 10 and took the emergency contraceptive pill on the evening of May 11. This timing is within the effective window for most ECPs, which should provide a good chance of preventing pregnancy.

Now, concerning the side effects you experienced after taking the pill, such as feeling very tired and having a sensation of heat throughout your body, these can indeed be common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills. Other potential side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in your menstrual cycle. These symptoms can occur as your body reacts to the hormones in the ECP, which can temporarily disrupt your normal hormonal balance.

It's also worth noting that the timing of your menstrual cycle can play a role in how your body responds to the ECP. You mentioned that your menstrual cycle is typically around seven days, and you had just finished your period a few days before the incident. Hormonal fluctuations around this time can also contribute to feelings of fatigue or discomfort.

As for the possibility of pregnancy, if you took the emergency contraceptive pill correctly and within the recommended timeframe, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is significantly reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and if your next period is delayed by more than a week, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing are likely side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill rather than signs of pregnancy, especially considering the timing of your intake. However, if you have any ongoing concerns or if your symptoms worsen, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and reassurance. They can provide further guidance and support based on your specific situation.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Pregnancy Symptoms or Side Effects?

Having intercourse on the day of ovulation while using a condom and taking emergency contraception within four hours may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. However, if your period is two days late and you are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms such as frequent urination, diar...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, I apologize for not being able to provide a diagnosis based on what you've described. It is possible that you may be pregnant. If you continue to experience discomfort, I recommend seeing a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Symptoms and Concerns

If you took emergency contraception three hours after unprotected intercourse and then experienced abdominal pain, cold sweats, and bleeding about five hours later, it is possible that these symptoms are related to the medication rather than a sign of a fertilized egg that has no...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The most common side effect of emergency contraceptive pills is nausea, followed by lower abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and vomiting. Additionally, symptoms such as breast tenderness and vaginal bleeding may occur. Therefore, your symptoms are likely caused by the e...

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pill Side Effects and Pregnancy Risks

Engaging in unprotected intercourse the day after your period, without ejaculation inside, and taking emergency contraception immediately afterward significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. The bleeding you experienced five days later could be a side effect of the emergency co...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effects of emergency contraceptive pills on menstruation can vary; they may cause your period to come early or late. Additionally, their contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. If you are unsure whether the bleeding is your period, it ...

Understanding the Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Every time there is a possibility of my boyfriend getting me pregnant, I ask him to buy emergency contraceptive pills for me. The first time I bought them, I only took one pack. However, the next time, he brought me six packs, with the first two packs wrapped in red envelopes, sa...

Dr. Wang Hanzhou reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emergency contraceptive pills mainly consist of high doses of female hormones. If taken repeatedly in this manner, it can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, and some individuals may experience nausea and dizziness. The correct approach is to use contraceptive pills as prescribed...