Emergency Contraception: Success Rates and Side Effects Explained

Emergency contraception

On December 31, 2021, in the afternoon, I had intercourse with my wife without a condom and performed withdrawal.
Within two hours, we went to a clinic to take emergency contraception.
After taking the medication, my wife did not experience any unusual symptoms, side effects, or bleeding.
Until January 22, 2022, her period arrived, about three days late, but the flow was lighter than her usual menstruation.
Does this indicate that the contraception was successful? However, now she is experiencing nausea.
Could the nausea be due to irregular sleep patterns and frequent late nights, leading to insufficient energy and resulting in vomiting?

He Xing Nan Zi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/04

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
I recommend taking a pregnancy test; if it's negative, you can feel reassured.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/02/04

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a crucial option for preventing unintended pregnancies after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) varies depending on several factors, including the timing of administration, the type of medication used, and individual physiological responses.

In your case, your wife took the emergency contraceptive pill within two hours after unprotected intercourse, which is well within the recommended time frame for optimal effectiveness. Most ECPs, such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Studies indicate that levonorgestrel can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within 72 hours, while ulipristal acetate can be effective up to 120 hours after intercourse.

Regarding your wife's menstrual cycle, it is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their menstrual flow after taking emergency contraception. The fact that her period arrived approximately three days late and had a lighter flow than usual can be attributed to the hormonal effects of the emergency contraceptive pill. ECPs can cause temporary disruptions in the menstrual cycle, leading to variations in timing, flow, and symptoms. These changes are generally not a cause for concern and are often self-limiting.

As for the symptoms of nausea your wife is experiencing, it is essential to consider multiple factors. While nausea can be a side effect of emergency contraception, it is also possible that her symptoms are related to lifestyle factors, such as irregular sleep patterns and frequent late nights, which can contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort. Stress and anxiety about potential pregnancy can also manifest as physical symptoms, including nausea.
If your wife continues to experience nausea or if it worsens, it may be prudent for her to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other potential causes, such as gastrointestinal issues or early pregnancy, despite the use of emergency contraception. A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice and may recommend a pregnancy test if there is any uncertainty.

In summary, based on the information provided, it seems likely that the emergency contraception was effective, especially given the timing of administration. The changes in menstrual flow and the occurrence of nausea are not uncommon after taking ECPs, but if symptoms persist or cause concern, seeking medical advice is always a good practice. It's essential to maintain open communication with healthcare providers regarding any side effects or changes in health status after using emergency contraception.

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