Uterine Cramps After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Uterine curettage

Doctor, I would like to ask, I had intercourse with my boyfriend on July 31, which was during my ovulation period.
I took the emergency contraceptive pill four hours later.
On Monday and Tuesday, I experienced brown discharge, and I have been feeling sharp pain on both sides of my ovaries.
Yesterday, I felt my uterus contracting and it was uncomfortable.
Can you explain why this is happening? I read some articles online that mentioned uterine contractions can occur during conception.
Since I have already taken the emergency contraceptive pill, does this contraction phenomenon indicate a high likelihood of pregnancy?

Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/03

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

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

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception taken within 72 hours after intercourse is approximately 97%.
However, it is not 100%, and there is about a 3% failure rate, but it is still considered a remedial option.
Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination.
It is advised that if your period is more than a week late, you should check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2016/08/03

More Info

After taking emergency contraceptive pills like Postinor, it is common for women to experience various side effects, including uterine cramps and changes in menstrual bleeding. The symptoms you are describing—brown discharge and cramping in the ovarian area—are not unusual after taking such medication.
Emergency contraceptive pills primarily work by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. The active ingredient in Postinor is levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin that can cause hormonal fluctuations in the body. These hormonal changes can lead to side effects such as cramping, spotting, or changes in menstrual flow.
The cramping you are experiencing may be due to the uterus contracting as it prepares for a potential menstrual cycle. This is similar to the cramps many women feel during their regular menstrual periods. The brown discharge you mentioned is often old blood that is being expelled from the uterus, which can occur when hormonal changes affect the lining of the uterus.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of pregnancy, while emergency contraceptive pills are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. The timing of your intercourse during the ovulation period does increase the risk of pregnancy, but since you took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after, it significantly reduces that risk. The cramping and discharge you are experiencing are more likely related to the hormonal effects of the pill rather than an indication of pregnancy.

If the cramping becomes severe or if you experience heavy bleeding, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and rule out any other potential issues, such as an ectopic pregnancy or other complications.
As for pain relief, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can be used to alleviate cramping. However, it is essential to follow the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or if you are taking other medications.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing after taking emergency contraception are likely side effects related to hormonal changes rather than signs of pregnancy. Monitoring your symptoms and seeking medical advice if they worsen is the best course of action. Remember that while emergency contraceptive pills are effective, they are not a substitute for regular contraceptive methods, and discussing ongoing contraceptive options with your healthcare provider may be beneficial.

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