Do Emergency Contraceptives Affect Menstrual Cycles and Libido Long-Term?

Will emergency contraceptive pills have long-term effects on menstrual cycles and libido?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend accidentally experienced internal ejaculation due to a condom breaking during intercourse in early 2013.
After that, she visited a gynecologist who prescribed a two-pill emergency contraceptive.
After taking the pills, she successfully induced her period within a week.
However, since then, she has noticed that her menstrual cycle has become irregular, and her libido has significantly decreased, causing her distress.
She wants to know if the medication she took that time could have long-term effects on her menstrual cycle and libido.
Can a single dose of emergency contraception have such lasting effects?
Additionally, there are other factors to consider.
After that incident, she started a new job at a veterinary clinic with night shifts, working at night and resting during the day, which has disrupted her circadian rhythm.
Due to her busy schedule, her diet has also become irregular, and she has been lacking exercise, even experiencing constipation issues.
The long-term night shifts have also accumulated a lot of stress for her.

The only times she has felt improvements have been during our travels abroad, where she becomes relaxed and her libido noticeably increases.
Could it be that her irregular schedule and high stress levels are the actual causes of her issues, rather than the medication from years ago?

RAY, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it generally does not have an impact; psychological factors may play a significant role.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/07/08

More Info

Emergency contraceptives (ECs), such as the ones your girlfriend took after the incident in 2013, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They primarily work by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. While they are effective for short-term use, concerns about their long-term effects on menstrual cycles and libido are common.

Effects on Menstrual Cycles
1. Menstrual Irregularities: It is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycles after taking emergency contraceptives. These changes can include earlier or later periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, or even missed periods. The hormonal content in ECs can temporarily disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the body, leading to these irregularities. However, these effects are generally short-lived, and most women return to their regular cycles within a few months.

2. Long-Term Impact: Research indicates that while ECs can cause temporary changes in menstrual patterns, they do not have a lasting impact on menstrual cycles. If your girlfriend's menstrual irregularities have persisted for several years, it is likely due to other factors rather than the emergency contraceptive itself.

Effects on Libido
1. Libido Changes: Some women report changes in libido after taking emergency contraceptives, but these effects are typically short-term. Hormonal fluctuations can influence sexual desire, and stress or anxiety about potential pregnancy can also play a significant role in libido.

2. Other Contributing Factors: In your girlfriend's case, it seems that her lifestyle changes, such as working night shifts, irregular eating habits, lack of exercise, and increased stress, could be significant contributors to her decreased libido. Night shifts can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to fatigue and hormonal imbalances that may affect sexual desire. Additionally, stress and anxiety can significantly impact libido, often leading to a decrease in sexual interest.

Conclusion
In summary, while emergency contraceptives can cause temporary changes in menstrual cycles and libido, it is unlikely that a single dose taken years ago would have a long-term impact. The irregularities and decreased libido your girlfriend is experiencing are more likely related to her current lifestyle, including her work schedule, stress levels, and dietary habits.
If her symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider. They can evaluate her overall health, consider her lifestyle factors, and possibly recommend strategies to help regulate her menstrual cycle and improve her libido. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, can also be beneficial in addressing these issues.
Encouraging her to prioritize self-care and seek professional guidance can help her regain her well-being and address any concerns she may have about her menstrual health and sexual desire.

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