Do I Need Emergency Contraception After Condom Failure?

Is there a need to take emergency contraception?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask: After the ovulation period, the doctor prescribed me a seven-day course of SHITON S.C.
TABLETS "YU SHEN" (active ingredient: NORETHINDRONE 5MG), to be taken once a day.
I would like to know if starting this medication means I am in the safe period? My last menstrual period started on January 17, and three days later I took the first type of menstrual regulation medication, which was five tablets.
After that, I was supposed to wait until February 7 to take the NORETHINDRONE medication.
However, today, February 5, I had sexual intercourse.
We used a condom, but when I was about to remove it, I noticed that it had slipped off, and it seemed like a little bit was outside the vaginal opening.
I immediately wiped it off...
I would like to know if I need to take emergency contraception in this situation? I apologize for the lengthy message and thank you for your help.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

After ovulation, the doctor prescribed seven days of SHITON S.C.
TABLETS "YU SHEN" (active ingredient: NORETHINDRONE 5MG / XINTONG), to be taken once a day.
I would like to ask if starting this medication means I am in the safe period? Answer: Starting this medication does indicate the safe period.
My last menstrual period started on January 17, and three days later, I took the first type of menstrual regulation medication, which was five pills.
Then I was supposed to wait until February 7 to take the XINTONG medication.
However, today, February 5, I had sexual intercourse.
I used a condom, but when I was about to remove it, I noticed that it had slipped off, and it seemed to be slightly outside the vaginal opening.
I immediately wiped it off...
I want to know if I need to take emergency contraception? Answer: Since your last menstrual period started on January 17, and you took the menstrual regulation medication three days later, followed by waiting to take the XINTONG medication on February 7, there is no need to take emergency contraception.

Reply Date: 2018/02/05

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you need emergency contraception after a condom failure, there are several factors to consider. Based on your description, it seems you had a condom break or slip during intercourse, which can indeed lead to concerns about unintended pregnancy, especially if you are in a fertile window.

First, let's clarify the timing of your menstrual cycle. You mentioned that your last menstrual period started on January 17, and you are currently in early February. If you have a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around 14 days after the first day of your last period, which would place it around January 31. Since you had intercourse on February 5, this is just a few days after your ovulation window, which means there is a possibility of pregnancy if sperm were to be present.

You also mentioned that you are taking a medication called Shiton S.C. Tablets (Norethindrone 5mg) for cycle regulation, which is a progestin used for various menstrual disorders. This medication can help regulate your cycle, but it does not provide immediate contraceptive protection if taken after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of this medication in preventing pregnancy depends on when you start taking it in relation to your ovulation.

Given that the condom failure occurred, it is advisable to consider emergency contraception (EC). Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after. The sooner you take it, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

In your case, since you had a condom failure and are within the window where ovulation could have occurred, taking emergency contraception would be a prudent step. It is also important to note that while the Shiton medication can help regulate your cycle, it does not serve as a reliable form of emergency contraception.

If you are unsure about the timing or the need for emergency contraception, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current medications. Additionally, if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or the effectiveness of your current contraceptive methods, discussing these with your doctor can help you find a more reliable long-term solution.

In summary, given the condom failure and the timing of your cycle, it would be wise to consider taking emergency contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

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