Is Emergency Contraception Recommended After Taking RU486?

Q: Is Emergency Contraception Recommended After Taking RU486?

Hello： Taking RU486 and uterotonics can indeed be harmful to your health. <br>It is advisable to wait until you have confirmed a complete miscarriage before engaging in sexual activity. <br>It is not recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills again, as the likelihood of pr

Is it still recommended to use emergency contraception after taking RU486?

On February 2, my partner took RU486 for a medical abortion, followed by the second dose on February 3.
During a follow-up ultrasound on February 8, it was still not completely cleared, so she was prescribed uterotonics and scheduled for another follow-up on February 15.
The ultrasound again showed retained products of conception.
On February 16, we had sexual intercourse using a condom, but afterwards, we discovered that the condom had slipped off.
Given that she had just taken RU486 along with uterotonics, I am concerned about her health.
Should I recommend taking emergency contraception?

EN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/16

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Taking RU486 and uterotonics can indeed be harmful to your health.
It is advisable to wait until you have confirmed a complete miscarriage before engaging in sexual activity.
It is not recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills again, as the likelihood of pregnancy is low, and doing so may confuse the diagnosis of a miscarriage.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2024/02/16

More Info

When considering the use of emergency contraception after taking RU486 (mifepristone), it's essential to understand the context and implications of both medications. RU486 is primarily used for medical abortion, and its mechanism involves blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. This leads to the detachment of the embryo from the uterine lining and ultimately results in its expulsion.
In your case, since your partner has already taken RU486 and is undergoing a medical abortion process, the concern about the effectiveness of emergency contraception (EC) arises. Emergency contraception is designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization of an egg if taken shortly after unprotected intercourse. However, since RU486 is already in the system and is actively working to terminate a pregnancy, the need for EC is not as straightforward.

If your partner had unprotected intercourse after taking RU486 and while still experiencing the effects of the medication, the likelihood of becoming pregnant again is significantly reduced. This is because RU486 is designed to terminate an existing pregnancy, and its effects can last for some time, especially if the abortion process is not yet complete. However, if there is any concern about the possibility of a new pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

In terms of safety, taking emergency contraception after RU486 is generally not harmful, but it may not be necessary. The primary focus should be on ensuring that the medical abortion is completed effectively and safely. If there are any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or severe pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Moreover, after the use of RU486, it is essential to monitor for any signs of incomplete abortion, which can include prolonged bleeding or persistent pregnancy symptoms. If your partner is still experiencing these symptoms, a follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to ensure that the uterus is clear of any remaining tissue.

In summary, while emergency contraception can be taken after RU486, it may not be required given the circumstances. The priority should be on the ongoing medical abortion process and ensuring that your partner receives appropriate care. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to address any concerns regarding reproductive health and contraception.

Similar Q&A

When to Take Emergency Contraceptive After RU486 Use?

Hello doctor, I took Ru486 on January 26 and a uterine contraction medication on January 28. I just got my period yesterday, on March 8. Should I wait until the first day of my next period to take it, or should I wait until this period ends?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you need to wait for your next menstrual period to indicate that this event is completely over. Generally, you should take it on the fifth day of your period. Wishing you good health.

Emergency Contraception Pills: Understanding Pregnancy Risks and RU486

Hello doctor, I have been taking oral contraceptives for about six months. However, I missed a dose on June 6th and did not realize it on June 7th, so I did not take a make-up pill. I had sexual intercourse on June 7th. This morning, June 9th, I went to a clinic to take emergency...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Please follow your doctor's instructions. Wishing you good health.

Understanding RU486: Risks of Pregnancy After Second Dose and Contraceptive Needs

After taking the second dose of RU486, I returned for a follow-up and confirmed that the embryo has been expelled, but there are still blood clots. Therefore, I was prescribed two additional sublingual tablets. The day after taking the sublingual tablets, I had unprotected interc...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you probably do not need to take emergency contraception. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Emergency Contraception After RU486: Your Questions Answered

Hello, I took RU486 on April 4th, and on April 9th, the doctor informed me that the embryo had been expelled. I continued to experience postpartum bleeding, but later on, I noticed a yellowish discharge that turned brown, and by May 13th, it was all red blood (which I believe is ...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: It is recommended that you first clarify whether May 13 is your menstrual period. When taking Ru486, please follow the doctor's instructions for follow-up visits to confirm a complete miscarriage, rather than just the expulsion of the embryo. The Hualien Hospital of t...