Emergency Contraception: Effectiveness and Cycle Impact Explained

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: I had sexual intercourse on the morning of February 25th, around 8 AM, using a condom.
At the end, I pulled out while the penis was still erect, but some white fluid came out with it.
I was concerned that the condom might have a hole, so I performed a water test and confirmed that the condom did not leak.
The fluid's smell, which I confirmed with my boyfriend, did not resemble semen but rather my own secretions.
My menstrual period was from February 7 to around February 14 or 15, and the app indicates that the 25th is the 19th day of my cycle.
I am unsure if the fluid was from my boyfriend's semen or my own secretions, so I took Plan B emergency contraception at 10:30 PM.
I would like to ask the doctor: Is the timing of taking the medication effective for contraception? Since I haven't had sexual intercourse for about two months, is it normal to be particularly wet during the first time? After taking the emergency contraception, will my menstrual cycle be irregular? How long might it take to return to my normal cycle? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/26

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Anonymous,
1.
Emergency contraception is recommended to be taken within 72 hours after intercourse; of course, the sooner it is taken, the better the effectiveness.
2.
Not necessarily; it may be related to your hormone secretion, as there tends to be more discharge around the ovulation period.
3.
Your menstrual cycle may become irregular because emergency contraception contains high doses of hormones.
The recovery of your menstrual cycle depends on individual constitution; most people recover within six months.
If you have any other concerns, please consult a gynecologist.
Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2021/02/26

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a critical option for individuals who may have had unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. In your case, you took the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) after a potential risk of pregnancy, which is a responsible decision. Let’s break down your concerns regarding the effectiveness of the ECP, its impact on your menstrual cycle, and other related questions.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, but they can still be effective if taken within 72 to 120 hours, depending on the specific medication. Since you took the ECP on the same day as the potential exposure, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy.
In your situation, since you used a condom and it passed the water test, it seems likely that the condom did not break. The white fluid you observed could very well be your own vaginal secretions, especially if it was confirmed by your partner that it did not smell like semen. This further reduces the likelihood of pregnancy.

Impact on Menstrual Cycle
Taking emergency contraception can temporarily disrupt your menstrual cycle. Many individuals experience changes in their next period, which may come earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual. This is due to the hormonal changes induced by the ECP.
Typically, your menstrual cycle should return to its regular rhythm within one to two cycles after taking the ECP. However, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary. If your period is more than a week late after taking the ECP, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

Other Considerations
Regarding your question about increased lubrication during your first sexual experience after a break, it is common for individuals to experience heightened arousal and natural lubrication, especially if there has been a significant gap since the last sexual activity. This is a normal physiological response and should not be a cause for concern.

Conclusion
In summary, taking the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after the potential risk of pregnancy is a proactive step, and it should be effective given the timing. While it may cause some temporary changes to your menstrual cycle, these should normalize within a couple of cycles. If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or experience unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Remember, while emergency contraception is a valuable option, it is not intended for regular use and should not replace regular contraceptive methods. If you have further questions about ongoing contraception or sexual health, consider discussing these with your healthcare provider to find the best options for you.

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