Emergency Contraception: Risks and Recommendations

Emergency contraceptive pill issues

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a girl at 2 AM on August 13 without a condom, but I withdrew before ejaculation.
Then, my girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill at 9 AM on August 13.
Later, at 2 PM on the same day, we had intercourse again, and I ejaculated inside her.
After that, she did not take any more emergency contraception.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? It has been two days already; should she take another emergency contraceptive pill? She took a single pink-packaged pill.
Additionally, after intercourse, I experienced symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and feeling very hot.
The intercourse was not vigorous; could this be related to individual body constitution?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On August 13th at 2 AM, I had sexual intercourse with a girl without using a condom, but I pulled out before ejaculation.
Then, at 9 AM on August 13th, my girlfriend took the morning-after pill.
At 2 PM on the same day, we had intercourse again, and I ejaculated inside her, after which she did not take any more contraceptive pills.

1.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?
Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is low.
2.
It has now been two days; should she take another morning-after pill?
Answer: It is not recommended to take another morning-after pill.
3.
She took a single pink-packaged pill.
However, after intercourse, I experienced symptoms of dizziness, headache, nausea, and feeling very hot.
The intercourse was not vigorous; could this be due to individual physical conditions?
Answer: Who took the medication?

Reply Date: 2018/08/15

More Info

Understanding emergency contraception is crucial, especially in situations where unprotected intercourse occurs. In your case, you had unprotected sex on August 13, and your girlfriend took an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) shortly after the first encounter. However, you had another sexual encounter later that same day, which raises concerns about the risk of pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as the one your girlfriend took, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours. The effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, but some ECPs can be taken up to 120 hours after intercourse. Since your girlfriend took the ECP in the morning after the first encounter, she had a good chance of preventing pregnancy from that incident. However, the second encounter later that day, especially with ejaculation, poses a risk of pregnancy if no additional ECP was taken afterward.

Given that your girlfriend did not take another ECP after the second encounter, the risk of pregnancy from that act remains. It is recommended that she consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss her options. If it has been less than 72 hours since the second encounter, she may still be eligible for another dose of emergency contraception. If more than 72 hours have passed, she should still consult a healthcare provider for further advice, which may include a pregnancy test or other options.

Regarding your symptoms of dizziness, headache, nausea, and feeling hot after the sexual encounter, these could be attributed to several factors. It’s important to note that anxiety and stress can manifest physically, especially in situations involving sexual health and potential pregnancy. The body can react to stress with symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Additionally, if you were feeling anxious about the situation, that could contribute to your physical symptoms.

However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to seek medical attention. It’s essential to rule out any other underlying health issues that may be causing these symptoms.
In summary, the risk of pregnancy is present due to the second unprotected encounter. It is crucial for your girlfriend to seek medical advice regarding the use of emergency contraception and to discuss any symptoms you are experiencing. Open communication with healthcare professionals can provide clarity and reassurance in such situations.

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