Emergency Contraception: Success and Symptoms Explained

Emergency contraceptive pill

The last sexual intercourse was on May 19.
After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, there was a small amount of brown discharge seven days later.
Today, a pregnancy test came back negative, and there are still two days until the expected menstrual period.
Does this indicate successful contraception?

J, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/27

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstrual cycles.
A single line on a pregnancy test usually indicates that you are not pregnant, but it is best to use preventive measures beforehand.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/05/27

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be taken up to 5 days later. The most common types of emergency contraception are hormonal pills (like levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) and the copper intrauterine device (IUD).

In your case, you had unprotected sex on May 19 and took the emergency contraceptive pill seven days later. The appearance of light brown discharge shortly after taking the pill can be a common side effect of hormonal contraceptives, including emergency contraception. This discharge is often due to hormonal changes and is not necessarily an indication of pregnancy or failure of the contraceptive method.

The negative pregnancy test you took today, just two days before your expected period, is a good sign that the emergency contraception has likely worked. Pregnancy tests measure the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Since you are testing before your expected period, it is possible that the hormone levels are not yet high enough to detect, but a negative result is encouraging.

It is important to note that emergency contraception is not 100% effective, and its efficacy can be influenced by several factors, including the timing of administration relative to ovulation. If you took the pill within the recommended time frame and have a negative pregnancy test, the chances of pregnancy are low. However, if your period does not arrive within a week of the expected date, it is advisable to take another pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In addition to the physical symptoms and signs you are experiencing, it is also essential to consider your emotional well-being during this time. The anxiety surrounding potential pregnancy can be stressful, and it is important to take care of your mental health. Engaging in relaxation techniques, talking to a trusted friend or healthcare provider, and ensuring you have access to reliable contraceptive methods in the future can help alleviate some of this stress.

In summary, based on your description, it appears that the emergency contraception has likely worked, especially with the negative pregnancy test and the timing of your menstrual cycle. However, if you have any lingering concerns or if your period does not arrive as expected, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step.

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