Concerns After First Sexual Experience: Emergency Contraception

I'm really troubled..?

Hello, I am a 17-year-old girl.
I had intercourse for the first time with my boyfriend on February 24, 2003.
I thought I had taken precautions (using a condom), but unfortunately, the condom was of poor quality and broke during intercourse! Even worse, it broke before ejaculation! Although my boyfriend pulled out during ejaculation, some semen had already entered my body! When he withdrew, we discovered that the condom had a large tear! This completely ruined what was supposed to be a beautiful first experience and left me feeling anxious! Later, I took the emergency contraceptive pill Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within 4 hours.
I have several questions that I hope you can answer:
1) I heard that taking the emergency contraceptive pill can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and other symptoms, but why do I only feel slightly dizzy and have a warm sensation in my body? Does this mean the medication is not effective? Please don’t scare me!
2) My last menstrual period was on February 1, 2003.
Was February 24, 2003, a safe period?
3) After ejaculation inside, but having taken the emergency contraceptive pill, what is the percentage of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy?
4) How should the emergency contraceptive pill be taken? I heard it should be taken within 72 hours after intercourse, and the second dose should be taken 12 hours after the first dose, is that correct? Do I only need to take two doses?
5) I bought my emergency contraceptive pill at the pharmacy, and the name is POSTINOR-2.
Did I buy the right one?
6) Why do condoms break so easily? What is the best quality?
7) I heard that bleeding shortly after taking the emergency contraceptive pill indicates that it worked.
Is that true? What kind of bleeding is it—menstrual bleeding or something else? How long after taking the emergency contraceptive pill does bleeding occur? If there is no bleeding, does that mean the pill was ineffective?
8) It is said that pregnancy tests can only detect pregnancy after two weeks, right? If I have intercourse and then get my period a few days later, does that mean I am in the clear?
9) As of March 2, 2003, I should have gotten my period after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, but I still haven’t gotten it! Am I at risk of being pregnant?

Hishiko, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/03/17

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
The side effects of high-dose progesterone (emergency contraceptive pills) vary from person to person, and the efficacy of the medication is not related to the severity of side effects.

2.
To calculate the safe period, one must first know the menstrual cycle for the previous six months.
Typically, the dangerous period is from day 10 to day 21 of the menstrual cycle, but the contraceptive effectiveness during this time is only about 60% to 70%.

3.
The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills is approximately 85%.

4.
Due to varying dosages, please follow your physician's instructions for medication use.

5.
Please purchase products that have passed puncture tests or have approval numbers from the Department of Health.

6.
Taking emergency contraceptive pills does not guarantee bleeding; whether or not bleeding occurs is unrelated to contraceptive effectiveness.
Any bleeding experienced is withdrawal bleeding (bleeding caused by the medication) and not a menstrual period.

7.
Please go to a clinic for a pregnancy test as soon as possible; do not hesitate.

Reply Date: 2003/03/17

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very stressful situation after your first sexual experience, especially with the concerns about potential pregnancy and the effectiveness of emergency contraception. Let's address your questions and concerns step by step.

1. Side Effects of Emergency Contraception: It's common to experience mild side effects after taking emergency contraception like Postinor-2, which contains levonorgestrel. These can include nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If you are only experiencing mild dizziness and a feeling of warmth, it may not indicate that the medication is ineffective. Everyone's body reacts differently to medications, and some people may experience few or no side effects. If you are concerned about the effectiveness of the pill, remember that it is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, but it is not 100% effective.

2. Understanding Your Cycle: If your last period started on February 1, 2003, and you had intercourse on February 24, 2003, you were likely close to your ovulation period, which typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period. This means that the risk of pregnancy could be higher during this time, especially if the condom broke.

3. Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception: When taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. Since you took the pill within 4 hours, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness decreases the longer you wait to take it after the incident.

4. Dosage Instructions: You are correct that Postinor-2 is taken in two doses. The first dose should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, and the second dose should be taken 12 hours after the first dose. Make sure to follow these instructions closely for optimal effectiveness.

5. Quality of Emergency Contraception: Postinor-2 is a recognized emergency contraceptive, so you have purchased the correct medication. It is important to ensure that any medication you buy is from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit products.

6. Condom Breakage: Condoms can break for several reasons, including improper storage, using expired products, or not using them correctly. To minimize the risk of breakage, always check the expiration date, store them in a cool, dry place, and use water-based or silicone-based lubricants if needed. Brands that are well-known and have good reviews are generally more reliable.

7. Bleeding After Taking Emergency Contraception: Some women experience bleeding after taking emergency contraception, which can be a sign that the medication is working. However, this bleeding is not the same as a regular menstrual period. It can occur within a few days to a couple of weeks after taking the pill. If you do not experience any bleeding, it does not necessarily mean that the pill did not work.

8. Pregnancy Testing: You are correct that pregnancy tests are most reliable when taken at least two weeks after potential conception. If you get your period, it is a strong indication that you are not pregnant. If your period is late, you should take a pregnancy test for confirmation.

9. Concerns About Missing Your Period: If you have not had your period by March 2, 2003, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In conclusion, it is essential to take care of your mental and emotional well-being during this time. If you have ongoing concerns about your health or the possibility of pregnancy, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for support and advice. They can provide you with the necessary information and reassurance you need. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many people have similar experiences.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Emergency Contraception: Effects and Concerns After First Intercourse

My girlfriend is a virgin and today was our first time. We used a condom and after ejaculation, I pulled out and put on a new condom. At first, I put it on the wrong way, but then I put it on correctly before penetration. I was worried about any residual semen, so I took emergenc...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
My girlfriend is a virgin and today was her first time. We used a condom and after ejaculation, I pulled out and put on a new condom. At first, I put it on the wrong way but then corrected it before penetration. I was worried about residual semen, so she took emergency contracept...

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Concerns About Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex

On September 23, my girlfriend got her period (induced by menstrual pills), and we had sexual intercourse on October 20 without a condom and with external ejaculation. This occurred late at night. On the morning of October 21 at 10 AM, she took the emergency contraceptive pill. S...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On October 20th, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with external ejaculation. I took the emergency contraceptive pill the next morning on October 21st. I should not be pregnant.

Understanding Emergency Contraception: Risks and Recommendations

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a girl at 2 AM on August 13 without a condom, but I withdrew before ejaculation. Then, my girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill at 9 AM on August 13. Later, at 2 PM on the same day, we had intercourse again, and I ejaculated ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On August 13th at 2 AM, I had sexual intercourse with a girl without using a condom, but I pulled out before ejaculation. Then, at 9 AM on August 13th, my girlfriend took the morning-after pill. At 2 PM on the same day, we had intercourse again, and I ejaculated inside her, after...

Concerns About Semen Leakage After First Sexual Experience: Should You Take Emergency Contraception?

My boyfriend is having sex for the first time. We watched videos about using condoms beforehand and practiced putting on the condom twice before we had intercourse. My boyfriend pulled out before he fully ejaculated and then went to the bathroom to remove and dispose of the condo...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the general recommendation for contraception is not to rely solely on condoms. Given your situation, you may consider adding emergency contraception. It is advised to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr....