Emergency Contraception: Your Questions Answered

Emergency contraceptive pill

There are quite a few questions, thank you.
Menstruation occurred from September 12 to September 17.
On September 18, my girlfriend helped me with masturbation, and after coming into contact with semen, she inserted her fingers into her vagina after washing them.
Due to concerns about sperm survival, I took emergency contraception within 48 hours.
I experienced bleeding from September 25 to September 28 for a total of four days.
Is this bleeding considered a menstrual period? Will my next period arrive on schedule? Does this count as successful contraception? Additionally, if my hand touched my penis but did not come into contact with semen, is there a risk of pregnancy if I insert my fingers into the vagina?

jim, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The menstrual period was from September 12 to September 17.
On September 18, my girlfriend helped me with masturbation, and after coming into contact with semen, she inserted her fingers into the vagina after washing them.
Due to concerns about sperm survival, I took emergency contraception within 48 hours.
I experienced bleeding from September 25 to September 28 for a total of four days.
Is this bleeding considered a menstrual period?
Answer: This bleeding is not considered a menstrual period.
Will the next menstrual period still occur on the scheduled date?
Answer: Not necessarily.
Does this indicate that the contraception was successful?
Answer: It is about 90% successful.
If my hand touched the penis but did not come into contact with semen before inserting it into the vagina, would that result in pregnancy?
Answer: No, it would not result in pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2018/10/06

More Info

Understanding emergency contraception is crucial for anyone who may find themselves in a situation where they need to prevent an unintended pregnancy. Let's break down your questions step by step.

First, regarding the timeline you provided: your menstrual period was from September 12 to September 17, and you had a sexual encounter on September 18, after which you took emergency contraception (EC) within 48 hours. The bleeding you experienced from September 25 to September 28 is likely a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) rather than your regular menstrual period. ECPs can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including spotting or breakthrough bleeding, which can occur a few days after taking the pill.
As for whether your next period will arrive on schedule, it can be unpredictable after taking emergency contraception. Some individuals may experience their next period at the expected time, while others may find it delayed or early. It’s important to monitor your cycle and note any changes. If your next period is more than a week late, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

Now, regarding the effectiveness of the emergency contraception you took: ECPs are designed to prevent pregnancy primarily by delaying ovulation. If taken within the recommended time frame (ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse), they are generally effective. However, their effectiveness can decrease the longer you wait to take them after unprotected sex. Since you took the pill within 48 hours, you have a good chance of preventing pregnancy, especially if you did not ovulate yet.

Concerning your question about whether touching the penis without direct contact with semen and then inserting it into the vagina could lead to pregnancy: while the risk is low, it is not zero. Sperm can be present in pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum), which may be released before ejaculation. If there was any sperm on your hands from touching the penis, and if that sperm made its way into the vagina, there is a possibility of pregnancy, albeit a small one.
In conclusion, based on the information you provided, it seems that you have taken appropriate steps to prevent pregnancy after a potential risk. The bleeding you experienced is likely a side effect of the emergency contraception rather than a sign of your regular menstrual cycle. Keep track of your next period, and if you have any concerns or if your period is significantly delayed, consider taking a pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare provider for further guidance. It's always best to have open discussions with your partner about contraception and safe practices to avoid anxiety in the future.

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