Emergency Contraceptives: Should You Expect Bleeding?

Q: Emergency Contraceptives: Should You Expect Bleeding?

Hello： The effectiveness of emergency contraception cannot reach 100%. <br>If your next menstrual period does not arrive, please visit a gynecology clinic to take a pregnancy test at Hsinchu Hospital.

Will there definitely be bleeding after taking emergency contraception?

I would like to ask...
because I had intercourse with my boyfriend and later found out that the condom broke.
I went to buy emergency contraception and took it.
It seems like it was a single package from the pharmacy.
However, after taking it, I did not experience any bleeding.
Does this mean that the medication was ineffective? Am I at risk of being pregnant? This is my first time taking something like this, so I am very worried.

Pin Pin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/23

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: The effectiveness of emergency contraception cannot reach 100%.
If your next menstrual period does not arrive, please visit a gynecology clinic to take a pregnancy test at Hsinchu Hospital.

Reply Date: 2005/02/23

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraceptives (EC), it is important to understand how they work and what to expect after taking them. Emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B or other similar medications, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

One common concern among individuals taking emergency contraceptives is whether they should expect bleeding after taking the medication. It is important to note that not everyone will experience bleeding after taking EC, and the absence of bleeding does not necessarily indicate that the medication was ineffective. The hormonal components in emergency contraceptives can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, which may lead to irregular bleeding or spotting, but this is not guaranteed.

If you have taken emergency contraception and have not experienced any bleeding, it does not mean that the medication has failed. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptives is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 120 hours later. If taken within the recommended time frame, emergency contraceptives can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% or more.

However, if your next menstrual period is delayed by more than a week from when you expect it, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. This is because while emergency contraceptives are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. If the test is positive, you should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your options.

In terms of side effects, some individuals may experience nausea, fatigue, headache, or breast tenderness after taking emergency contraception. These symptoms are generally mild and should resolve within a few days. If you experience severe side effects or have concerns about your health after taking EC, it is important to seek medical advice.

Regarding the concern about the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive you took, if you followed the instructions and took the medication within the appropriate time frame, it is likely that it worked as intended. The absence of bleeding does not indicate failure. However, if you have any doubts or experience unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a good idea.

In summary, while some individuals may experience bleeding after taking emergency contraception, it is not a definitive sign of effectiveness or failure. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or the effects of the medication, taking a pregnancy test after your expected period date and consulting with a healthcare provider can provide clarity and peace of mind.

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