Emergency Contraception and Its Effects on Menstrual Cycle

Pregnancy chances? Emergency contraception?

You had mutual affection with your boyfriend on June 4, followed by protected anal intercourse, and then you both enjoyed a hot spring together.
On June 6, you took emergency contraception (Plan B), and your menstrual period occurred from June 11 to June 17.
After that, you experienced another menstrual period from June 19 to June 20, but it was brown in color.
Now, on July 3, you have your period again, but the flow is light, and you are experiencing bloating and discomfort in your lower abdomen.
You would like to ask the doctor the following questions:
1.
Does taking emergency contraception cause irregular periods? How long does it typically take for the menstrual cycle to return to normal?
2.
Is there a chance of pregnancy in this situation?
3.
You have a history of uterine fibroids that are being monitored; do you need further examination since your menstrual cycle has not been very regular lately?
Thank you once again for your assistance.

Ni Ming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/04

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On June 4th, I engaged in mutual affection with my boyfriend, followed by protected anal intercourse.
We also soaked in a hot spring.
On June 6th, I took emergency contraception (Postinor).
My menstrual period occurred from June 11th to June 17th, and then I experienced another period from June 19th to June 20th, which was brown in color.
Now, on July 3rd, my period has started again, but the flow is light.
I am experiencing bloating and discomfort in my lower abdomen.
I would like to consult a doctor regarding the following questions:
1.
Does taking emergency contraception cause irregular periods?
Answer: Yes, it can cause irregular periods depending on when it is taken.
2.
How long will it take for my menstrual cycle to normalize?
Answer: It varies for each individual.
3.
Is there a chance of pregnancy?
Answer: Since protected anal intercourse was practiced, taking emergency contraception (Postinor) was unnecessary, and there is no chance of pregnancy.
4.
I have uterine fibroids that I am monitoring.
Do I need further examinations?
Answer: A check-up every 9 to 12 months is sufficient.

Reply Date: 2017/07/04

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The most common form of emergency contraception is the use of hormonal pills, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B) or ulipristal acetate (Ella). In your case, you mentioned taking "愛后錠," which is likely a form of emergency contraceptive pill.

1. Effects on Menstrual Cycle: It is well-documented that taking emergency contraception can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle. Many women experience irregularities in their periods after taking EC. This can manifest as earlier or later onset of menstruation, changes in flow (lighter or heavier), or even spotting between periods. The hormonal content in these pills can disrupt the normal hormonal balance, leading to these variations. Generally, it may take one to two cycles for your menstrual cycle to return to its regular pattern after taking emergency contraception. However, if you find that your cycles remain irregular for an extended period, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider.

2. Pregnancy Risk: The primary purpose of emergency contraception is to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. If you took the emergency contraceptive pill within the recommended time frame (usually within 72 to 120 hours after intercourse, depending on the type of pill), the chances of becoming pregnant are significantly reduced. However, no method is 100% effective. Given that you had your period from June 11 to June 17 and then again from June 19 to June 20, it is likely that you are not pregnant, especially since you experienced bleeding. The brown discharge you mentioned could be old blood, which is not uncommon at the beginning or end of a menstrual period.

3. Uterine Fibroids: You mentioned having uterine fibroids that are being monitored. Fibroids can sometimes cause changes in menstrual patterns, including heavier bleeding, irregular periods, or discomfort. If you are experiencing significant changes in your menstrual cycle or if the discomfort in your lower abdomen persists, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend an ultrasound or other imaging studies to assess the fibroids and ensure that they are not contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, taking emergency contraception can lead to temporary changes in your menstrual cycle, and it may take some time for your periods to normalize. The likelihood of pregnancy is low if you took the pill as directed, and if you have concerns about your fibroids or any persistent symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Always remember that while emergency contraception is a useful tool, it should not be used as a regular form of birth control. Regular contraceptive methods are more effective for ongoing prevention of pregnancy.

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