Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Usage and Effects Explained - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

Emergency contraceptive pills


1.
If you have been taking the oral contraceptive pill consistently for 5 months and plan to take a break for one month, you can resume taking the pill the following month.
However, it is recommended to take the pill for at least 7 consecutive days before relying on it for contraceptive effectiveness.
2.
If you switched from one brand of oral contraceptive (Yueh-Chi) to another (Loette) after 4 months, and you have not had your period after finishing the last pill of the new brand, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
If the test is negative and you wish to continue taking the pill after a one-month break, you can do so, but it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Fei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/08

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


1.
Medication should be taken for at least one week before and one week after sexual intercourse (a total of two weeks).
2.
It is possible, but the menstrual cycle may become irregular with repeated use of the medication.

Reply Date: 2020/04/08

More Info


Understanding emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and their usage is crucial for effective family planning and reproductive health. Let's address your questions regarding the use of contraceptive pills and their effects.

1. Resuming Birth Control After a Break: If you have been taking your birth control pills consistently for five months and plan to take a one-month break, it is important to understand how to resume them effectively. When you restart your birth control after a break, you should take the first pill of the new pack at the same time you normally would. However, it is essential to note that it may take a few days for the contraceptive effects to fully kick in again. Generally, it is recommended to use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days after restarting the pill to ensure you are fully protected against pregnancy. This is because the hormonal levels in your body may take some time to stabilize and reach the effective levels needed for contraception.

2. Switching Brands and Menstrual Irregularities: Switching from one brand of birth control pill to another (like from "悅己" to "洛依欣") can sometimes lead to changes in your menstrual cycle. It is not uncommon for women to experience irregularities, such as missed periods or changes in flow, when they switch brands or types of hormonal contraceptives. If you have taken your last pill on the 4th and have not had your period, it could be due to the hormonal changes from switching pills.
If you do not get your period after a week of stopping the pills, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially if you had unprotected intercourse during the time you were switching pills or if you missed any doses. If the test is negative and you are not experiencing any other concerning symptoms, you can typically resume taking the new brand of pills after your break. However, if you have any doubts or if your period does not return, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.


Additional Considerations:
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs): If you have had unprotected intercourse and are concerned about pregnancy, ECPs can be taken within 72 to 120 hours after the event, depending on the type of pill. They work primarily by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization.


- Consistency is Key: For optimal effectiveness, it is crucial to take your birth control pills at the same time every day. This helps maintain stable hormone levels in your body, which is essential for preventing ovulation.

- Consulting Healthcare Providers: If you experience any side effects, such as prolonged absence of menstruation, severe headaches, or mood changes after switching pills, it is important to discuss these with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if these are normal side effects or if a different contraceptive method might be more suitable for you.

In summary, when resuming birth control after a break, use additional contraception for the first week. If you switch brands and experience menstrual irregularities, monitor your cycle and consult a healthcare provider if needed. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your contraceptive method.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Menstrual Cycles

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.


Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Without proper contraception, there is a possibility of pregnancy. A pregnancy test can be taken two weeks after sexual intercourse. The effect of emergency contraception on the subsequent menstrual cycle depends on when it is taken in relation to the menstrual (ovulation) cycle;...

[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Menstrual Cycles


Understanding Contraception: Safety of Emergency Pills and Birth Control

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. If I want to use contraception, is taking preemptive contraceptive pills less harmful to the body? 2. If I take emergency contraceptive pills once a month, will it have negative effects on my health?


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the general oral contraceptive pills should be taken within the first 1 to 5 days of the menstrual cycle and need to be taken daily, as each pill is effective for 36 hours. Emergency contraceptive pills can provide protection against pregnancy from a single act of intercou...

[Read More] Understanding Contraception: Safety of Emergency Pills and Birth Control


Understanding Emergency Contraception: Risks and Effects Explained

Hello, doctor. My girlfriend and I had sexual intercourse on the 26th, and I ejaculated inside her. Her last menstrual period started on June 16, and her cycle is 30 days. What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant? Afterward, I accompanied her to the gynecologist to get med...


Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
A regular menstrual cycle is 30 days, with ovulation estimated to occur around days 15 to 16 of the cycle. Engaging in unprotected intercourse on day 11 of the cycle theoretically has a low chance of resulting in pregnancy; however, there is concern that ovulation may sometimes o...

[Read More] Understanding Emergency Contraception: Risks and Effects Explained


Understanding the Risks and Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) 2 to 3 times within a month can lead to several issues. While ECPs are effective in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed, frequent use may result in side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, an...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 90%, so it is best to use preventive measures beforehand. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills


Related FAQ

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Oral Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Birth Control Pills

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abortion Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Contraceptive Pills

(Pharmacology)

Drug Side Effects

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Regulation Medication

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Ecp

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication To Delay Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Condom

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)