the Effects of Menstrual Induction and Emergency Contraceptives

Menstrual induction drugs and emergency contraceptives作用?

Hello, doctor.
My situation is that I had been taking emergency contraceptive pills for a long time, so my menstrual cycle was very regular, with a 28-day cycle lasting 7 days.
Last month, due to some circumstances, I needed to induce my period, and my obstetrician-gynecologist advised me to stop taking the emergency contraceptive pills and to take the medication he prescribed for inducing menstruation.
I stopped taking the emergency contraceptive pills after finishing the last pack on November 18, and my period for that cycle was regular, occurring from November 23 to November 29.
The medication prescribed by my doctor was taken from December 1 to December 13, for a total of 13 days.
However, I had sexual intercourse on December 11, and my estimated ovulation date was December 7 (which had already passed).
December 11 was the last day of my fertile window.
To be cautious, following the pharmacist's advice, I stopped the inducing medication and took the emergency contraceptive pill.
Currently, I have no side effects and no withdrawal bleeding.
My questions are: 1.
If I experience bleeding in the next few days, will it be withdrawal bleeding rather than my period? 2.
After taking the inducing medication for ten days, will I still get my period this month? 3.
Was the emergency contraceptive pill effective, and is there a possibility of pregnancy? 4.
If I want to resume taking the emergency contraceptive pills, can I start taking them during this bleeding?

Ivy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/12

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effects of emergency contraception on menstruation can vary; it may cause your period to come earlier or later.
Its contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Currently, it is not advisable to take preemptive contraceptive pills.
If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/12/12

More Info

Understanding the effects of menstrual induction and emergency contraceptives is crucial, especially when navigating changes in your menstrual cycle and contraceptive methods. Based on your situation, let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Potential for Withdrawal Bleeding: After taking menstrual induction medication, it is common to experience withdrawal bleeding. This bleeding can occur as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. If you experience bleeding a few days after stopping the induction medication, it is likely to be withdrawal bleeding rather than your regular menstrual period. Withdrawal bleeding typically occurs within a few days to a week after stopping hormonal treatments, and it may vary in intensity and duration.

2. Menstrual Cycle After Induction Medication: After taking menstrual induction medication for ten days, it is possible that your menstrual cycle may be disrupted temporarily. While many women will still have a menstrual period in the following cycle, the timing and flow may be different than usual. It’s important to monitor your cycle closely. If you do not have a period within a reasonable timeframe (usually within 28-35 days after the last menstrual induction), you should consult your healthcare provider.

3. Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Given that you had intercourse on December 11, which was after your estimated ovulation date of December 7, the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced, especially if you took the emergency contraceptive as advised. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. If your period is delayed beyond a week from when you expect it, consider taking a pregnancy test for confirmation.

4. Resuming Regular Contraceptive Pills: If you plan to return to taking your regular contraceptive pills (the ones you were on prior to the menstrual induction medication), it is generally advisable to wait until your next menstrual cycle begins. If you experience withdrawal bleeding, you can start taking your regular contraceptive pills at that time. However, if you have any concerns or if your bleeding is unusual, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Additional Considerations
- Hormonal Changes: Both menstrual induction medications and emergency contraceptives can cause hormonal fluctuations, which may lead to side effects such as nausea, mood changes, or changes in your menstrual cycle. It’s essential to be aware of these potential side effects and to communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider.

- Monitoring Your Cycle: Keep track of your menstrual cycle after these changes. Note any irregularities, such as missed periods or unexpected bleeding, and report these to your healthcare provider.

- Consultation with Healthcare Provider: If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive, or the potential side effects of the medications you have taken, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific health needs and circumstances.

In summary, while it is common to experience changes in your menstrual cycle after taking hormonal medications, monitoring your symptoms and consulting with your healthcare provider will help ensure that you manage your reproductive health effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Emergency Contraception and Its Effects on Menstrual Cycle

Hello, during the recent period from December to January, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend. Her last menstrual period started on December 15. After our first encounter, she took emergency contraception and experienced bleeding about three days later. After our second e...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills include interference with hormonal functions in the body, which can lead to abnormal uterine bleeding. Therefore, if menstruation has not yet occurred, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test first. If pregnancy is rule...

Impact of Taking Emergency Contraceptive and Menstrual Induction Pills Together

On October 16, I had sexual intercourse. I visited a gynecologist on October 14 and received medication to induce menstruation. During intercourse, the condom accidentally broke. I immediately purchased and took emergency contraception, but half an hour after taking the emergency...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Zhang

Understanding the Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Menstrual Cycles

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Without proper contraception, there is a possibility of pregnancy. A pregnancy test can be taken two weeks after sexual intercourse. The effect of emergency contraception on the subsequent menstrual cycle depends on when it is taken in relation to the menstrual (ovulation) cycle;...

Understanding Menstrual Induction Pills: Effects and Pregnancy Risks

Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse with my girlfriend on September 25, but it was only friction without ejaculation. Within an hour, I bought and she took the emergency contraceptive pill. However, since her menstrual cycle is irregular, she went to see a doctor who pres...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Menstrual induction medications should be used after assessing the endometrial thickness. 2. For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after the most recent sexual intercourse. 3. The mens...