Emergency Contraceptive Pills and Menstrual Irregularities

Emergency contraceptive pill

At the beginning of the month, menstruation occurred from July 4 to July 10.
Then, on July 12, there was unprotected sexual intercourse, but withdrawal was practiced before ejaculation.
As a precaution, emergency contraceptive pills were taken from July 21 to July 26.
Another menstrual period occurred, but it was lighter than usual.
It is unclear whether this is due to the use of the contraceptive pills or if it was influenced by the fact that my girlfriend was also taking cold medicine during that time, which might have affected her cycle.
Originally, her next period was expected around August 20, but it arrived early on August 14 and ended on the 20th.
I am wondering if there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially since my girlfriend is not experiencing constipation and has normal bowel movements.

q pi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/26

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low; it is likely that the irregular menstruation is caused by taking the emergency contraceptive pill.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/26

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are a crucial option for preventing unintended pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse. In your case, you had unprotected sex on July 12 and subsequently took ECPs from July 21 to July 26. It’s important to understand how these pills work and their potential effects on the menstrual cycle.

ECPs, such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, work primarily by delaying ovulation. If taken before ovulation, they can prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. If ovulation has already occurred, ECPs may not be effective. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but can be taken up to 120 hours after.

Regarding your girlfriend's menstrual irregularities, it is not uncommon for ECPs to cause changes in the menstrual cycle. After taking ECPs, some women may experience earlier or later periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or even spotting. The hormonal changes induced by the pills can disrupt the regular menstrual cycle, leading to these variations.
In your situation, your girlfriend's period came earlier than expected on August 14, which could be attributed to the ECPs. The bleeding you described as "not much" could also be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive. Additionally, if she was ill and taking cold medication, this could further complicate her hormonal balance and menstrual cycle.
As for the concern about pregnancy, if your girlfriend had her period after taking the ECPs, it is a strong indication that she is not pregnant, especially if the bleeding is consistent with her menstrual pattern, even if it is lighter than usual. However, it is essential to note that ECPs do not guarantee 100% effectiveness, and if there are any signs of pregnancy (such as missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness), it would be prudent to take a pregnancy test for confirmation.

In summary, the use of emergency contraceptive pills can lead to temporary menstrual irregularities, and the early onset of your girlfriend's period could be a result of the ECPs. If there are any ongoing concerns about her menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, consulting a healthcare provider would be advisable for further evaluation and guidance.

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