Emergency Contraception: Risks and What to Expect

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse on June 7th with a condom, but I discovered it was broken upon withdrawal.
The next day at noon, I took emergency contraception.
On June 17th, I experienced dark red bleeding.
Is there still a chance of pregnancy?

111, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/17

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear 111,
Emergency contraceptive pills are effective when taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, but they do not guarantee 100% effectiveness.
Since you did not provide the date of your last menstrual period, we cannot estimate your situation accurately.
If your period is delayed by more than a week, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test.
If you have any other questions, please consult a gynecologist.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2020/06/17

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. In your case, since the condom broke during intercourse, taking emergency contraception was a prudent decision.
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days later. The sooner you take the pill, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy. The most common types of emergency contraception include levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) and ulipristal acetate (Ella). Both work primarily by delaying ovulation, which means they prevent the egg from being released from the ovary. If ovulation has already occurred, ECPs may not be effective.

Regarding your experience of dark red bleeding on June 17, this could be a side effect of the emergency contraception you took. Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking ECPs, including spotting or bleeding that can occur earlier or later than expected. This bleeding is often lighter or different in color compared to a regular period.
It’s important to note that while emergency contraception significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, it is not 100% effective. The effectiveness can depend on various factors, including where you are in your menstrual cycle when you take the pill. If you took the ECP within the recommended time frame, the chances of pregnancy are low, but not impossible.

To determine if you are pregnant, you should wait until your next expected period. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. If the test is positive, or if you have any concerns about your symptoms or bleeding, you should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception is low, it is not eliminated entirely. The dark red bleeding you experienced could be a side effect of the medication, but monitoring your menstrual cycle and taking a pregnancy test if your period is late will provide you with the best information regarding your situation. Always feel free to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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