Can Menstrual Induction Pills Be Taken with Emergency Contraceptives?

Can menstrual induction medication be taken together with emergency contraception?

My girlfriend was supposed to get her period on January 3, but it was delayed.
She went to see a doctor on January 20, who prescribed her a 5-day course of medication to induce her period.
On January 20, she had sexual intercourse with a condom, which broke.
She also purchased and took emergency contraceptive pills.
Will these two medications interact? If they do interact, should she stop taking the medication to induce her period?

A-Guan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/20

Dr. Cai Yonglong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Birth control pills should be started on the fifth day of your menstrual period.

Reply Date: 2020/01/20

More Info

When it comes to the use of menstrual induction pills and emergency contraceptives, it is important to understand how these medications work and their potential interactions. Menstrual induction pills, often containing hormones such as progesterone or estrogen, are prescribed to help regulate or induce menstruation. Emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom.

In your girlfriend's case, she was prescribed menstrual induction pills to help bring on her period, which was delayed. On January 20, she had unprotected intercourse, and subsequently took emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. The concern here is whether these two types of medications can be taken together and if they might interfere with each other.

Generally, there is no direct contraindication to taking menstrual induction pills and emergency contraceptives simultaneously. However, the hormonal components in both medications can interact in complex ways. For instance, if the menstrual induction pills contain high doses of estrogen, they could potentially affect the efficacy of the emergency contraceptive, especially if the emergency contraceptive is also hormonal in nature.
Emergency contraceptives work primarily by delaying ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, they may not be effective. Menstrual induction pills, on the other hand, may alter the hormonal environment in the body, which could theoretically influence the timing of ovulation and the menstrual cycle. However, the clinical significance of this interaction is not well-documented, and many healthcare providers consider it safe to use both medications concurrently.

If your girlfriend is concerned about potential interactions or side effects, it is advisable for her to consult with her healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on her medical history and the specific medications prescribed. It is also important for her to monitor her body for any unusual symptoms or side effects after taking these medications.

In summary, while there is no strong evidence suggesting that menstrual induction pills and emergency contraceptives cannot be taken together, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for tailored advice. They can help ensure that both medications are used safely and effectively, and address any concerns regarding their use. Additionally, if your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms or has further questions about her reproductive health, she should seek medical attention promptly.

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Hello, if you're feeling uncertain, you can take emergency contraception; however, it may not be necessary. Wishing you good health.

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