When Can I Start Taking Birth Control After RU486?

After taking RU486, when can one start taking preemptive contraceptive pills?

Hello, Dr.
Huang.
I took the first dose of RU486 around 3 PM on July 3rd, 2018, and the second dose of prostaglandin around 8 AM on July 5th.
I immediately started experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding.
I had a follow-up appointment with the obstetrics and gynecology department on July 10th, where I was informed that everything had cleared out and that I just need to wait for my next menstrual period.
I would like to ask when I can expect my next period to arrive.
Additionally, I have a boyfriend and am concerned about the possibility of becoming pregnant again.
Before taking RU486, I was in the habit of taking oral contraceptives, specifically Yaz.
Can I resume taking oral contraceptives now?

Pei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/16

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On July 3, 2018, around 3 PM, I took the first dose of RU486.
On July 5, around 8 AM, I took the second dose of prostaglandin.
I immediately started experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding.
By July 10, I had a follow-up appointment with the obstetrics and gynecology department, where I was informed that everything had cleared out and that I just needed to wait for my next menstrual period.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
When can I expect my next menstrual period? Answer: Your period is expected to arrive around August 5-10.
Additionally, I have a boyfriend and am concerned about the possibility of becoming pregnant again.
Before taking RU486, I was in the habit of taking oral contraceptive pills, specifically Yaz.
My second question is: 2.
Can I take oral contraceptive pills now? Answer: Theoretically, you can start taking oral contraceptive pills once your next menstrual period begins.

Reply Date: 2018/07/16

More Info

After taking RU486, it is essential to consider the timing for resuming birth control methods, especially if you are concerned about the possibility of becoming pregnant again. RU486, also known as mifepristone, is primarily used for medical abortion and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. After taking RU486, the body undergoes a process of expelling the pregnancy, which can take several days to weeks.

In your case, since you took the first dose of RU486 on July 3 and the second dose (prostaglandin) on July 5, you mentioned that by July 10, you had a follow-up appointment where your doctor confirmed that the abortion was complete. This indicates that your body has likely returned to a state where it can resume normal menstrual cycles. However, the timing of your next period can vary based on individual factors such as hormonal balance, stress, and overall health.

Typically, after a medical abortion, it may take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for your menstrual cycle to return to normal. Therefore, you can expect your next period to arrive sometime between late July and early September, but this is not a definitive timeline. It is important to monitor your body and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or if it does not return within this timeframe.

Regarding the use of birth control pills, it is generally recommended to wait until your next menstrual cycle before starting hormonal contraceptives again. However, since you have a history of taking birth control pills (like Yaz), you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider the best time to resume them. Some doctors may suggest starting the pill immediately after the abortion to prevent unintended pregnancy, while others may recommend waiting until your next period.
If you choose to start taking birth control pills again, it is crucial to use a backup method of contraception (such as condoms) for at least the first 7 days of taking the pill to ensure effective pregnancy prevention. This is because it takes time for the hormones in the pill to build up in your system and provide reliable protection against ovulation.

In summary, after taking RU486, you can expect your next period to arrive within 4 to 8 weeks. You should consult your healthcare provider about when to resume taking birth control pills, as they can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider regarding your reproductive health and any concerns you may have about future pregnancies.

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