Concerns About Pregnancy After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Concerned about pregnancy?

Hello, doctor.
I am #140835 and #140954.
Today marks the tenth day since we had unprotected intercourse and my girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill.
Around the ninth day, she noticed brown discharge, which she claims is a symptom she experiences before her menstrual period.
However, I observed that her nipples have enlarged, and aside from that, she has not experienced any discomfort.
The nipples are not particularly sensitive, but her period still hasn't arrived today.
Is this normal? Could this possibly just be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill? I am quite worried.

N, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

This could possibly just be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill.
If your period is late, take a pregnancy test on November 16.

Reply Date: 2018/11/05

More Info

Dear Concerned Individual,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and the subsequent symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing. It’s understandable to feel anxious about these changes, especially when it comes to pregnancy and reproductive health.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. However, they are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 to 120 hours, depending on the type of pill.

Regarding your girlfriend's symptoms, it is not uncommon for ECPs to cause side effects that can mimic early pregnancy symptoms. These can include:
1. Changes in Menstrual Cycle: ECPs can disrupt the normal hormonal balance, leading to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. This may result in delayed menstruation, which can be concerning but is often a normal response to the hormonal changes induced by the pill.

2. Spotting or Discharge: The coffee-colored discharge your girlfriend is experiencing could be a form of spotting, which is also a common side effect of ECPs. This spotting can occur as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes.

3. Breast Changes: The enlargement of the nipples or breast tenderness can also occur due to hormonal fluctuations caused by the emergency contraceptive. This is not necessarily indicative of pregnancy, especially if it coincides with the timing of taking the ECP.

4. Nausea or Fatigue: Some women report feelings of nausea or fatigue after taking ECPs, which can also be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms.

It’s important to note that while ECPs are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. If your girlfriend's period does not arrive within a week of the expected date, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. These tests are generally reliable and can provide peace of mind.

If the test is negative and her period still does not come, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to discuss her symptoms and any further steps that may be necessary. They can provide guidance on what to expect after taking ECPs and help determine if any additional evaluation is needed.

In summary, the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could very well be side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill rather than signs of pregnancy. However, monitoring her menstrual cycle and taking a pregnancy test if her period is significantly delayed will be the best course of action to ensure her health and alleviate any concerns.

Wishing you both the best during this time, and please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or concerns.

Best regards.

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