Post-Pill Symptoms: What to Expect After Taking Emergency Contraceptive

The situation after taking Aiyile?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about the physical issues my girlfriend is experiencing after taking Ella (ulipristal acetate).
We had sexual intercourse on January 19, and I accidentally ejaculated inside her.
About an hour later, she took Ella as an emergency contraceptive.
After taking it, she informed me that two days later, she started experiencing abdominal pain and noticed thick, slightly yellowish discharge.
One night, she even felt a bit feverish.
These symptoms lasted for a week, with the fever occurring only for one day.
However, on the eighth day, she told me that all symptoms had disappeared, and there was no bleeding.
Around January 29, she mentioned experiencing cramping similar to menstrual pain, but it only lasted for one day.
On February 3 and February 9, we were concerned, so we bought a pregnancy test from Man Shu Lei Dun, and the results indicated that she was not pregnant (we waited five minutes on February 3 and ten minutes on February 9).
A couple of days ago, she said she started having discharge again, which has continued until today, but this time it is less thick and somewhat watery with a slight yellow tint.
Her last menstrual period was from January 1 to January 16, and the app predicted her next period would start on February 7, but it has not arrived yet.
We also researched early pregnancy symptoms online, but she does not exhibit any of those symptoms.
Since my girlfriend has been staying up late and her sleep schedule has been irregular since January, could this be the reason her period is delayed? Or could it be due to pregnancy? Additionally, if my girlfriend, who is 17 years old, goes to a gynecologist for a check-up and the result is positive for pregnancy, will her parents be notified? (We are in a long-distance relationship.)

Zhu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/11

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, I'm sorry I cannot provide a diagnosis based on what you've described.
It could be inflammation.
If you continue to feel unwell or if your period is more than a week late, I recommend seeing a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/02/11

More Info

After taking emergency contraceptive pills like Ella (ulipristal acetate), it is common for individuals to experience various side effects, which can include abdominal pain, changes in menstrual flow, and alterations in vaginal discharge. Your girlfriend's symptoms, such as abdominal pain and the presence of thick, yellowish discharge, are not uncommon after taking emergency contraception. These symptoms can be attributed to hormonal changes induced by the pill, which can affect the menstrual cycle and cause temporary discomfort.

1. Understanding Symptoms: The abdominal pain she experienced could be due to the hormonal fluctuations caused by the emergency contraceptive. It is also possible that the yellowish discharge is a result of the hormonal changes or a mild infection, but if it persists or is accompanied by a strong odor, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider.

2. Menstrual Cycle Changes: Emergency contraceptives can cause delays in the menstrual cycle. Since your girlfriend's last menstrual period was from January 1 to January 16, and considering she took the emergency contraceptive shortly after unprotected intercourse, it is possible that her cycle could be disrupted. Stress, changes in sleep patterns, and lifestyle factors such as staying up late can also contribute to menstrual irregularities. Therefore, it is plausible that her irregular cycle could be influenced by her recent lifestyle changes rather than pregnancy.

3. Pregnancy Testing: The negative results from the pregnancy tests on February 3 and February 9 are reassuring, especially if they were taken at least a week after the expected date of her next period. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when used correctly, and if she has not experienced any symptoms consistent with early pregnancy, it is likely that she is not pregnant.

4. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If your girlfriend continues to experience unusual symptoms or if her period does not arrive soon, it would be wise for her to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation. A healthcare professional can perform a more sensitive pregnancy test and assess her symptoms in detail.

5. Confidentiality and Parental Notification: Regarding her age and the possibility of parental notification, laws vary by location. In many places, minors can seek reproductive health services confidentially, including pregnancy testing and counseling. However, it is always best for her to check with the specific clinic or healthcare provider regarding their policies on confidentiality and parental notification.

In summary, while the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to the emergency contraceptive, lifestyle factors, or hormonal changes, it is essential for her to monitor her symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if they persist or worsen. This will ensure she receives appropriate care and guidance.

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