Emergency Contraception: Effects and Risks Explained

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on July 19, and on August 7, she tested positive for pregnancy.
Her menstrual cycle is about 28 days.
She went to the pharmacy and bought a medication, the name of which she does not know, but the pharmacist said it has effects similar to emergency contraception, just with a stronger effect, and it needs to be taken for three days.
After taking the medication, she experienced some light bleeding, nausea, and dizziness.
I would like to know if this is considered an abortion, or if it has the same effect as taking emergency contraception.
Will taking this medication for "abortion" make it more difficult for her to conceive in the future or increase the risk of miscarriage? (Is miscarriage caused by thinning of the uterine lining?) This is the second time this has happened, so I would appreciate your explanation.
Thank you.

Lán tiān, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/08/11

Dr. Lin Zhaopei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On August 7, the pregnancy test was positive.
The medication taken was definitely not an emergency contraceptive but rather an abortion pill.
Taking it without a doctor's examination is very dangerous.
Aside from potential complications in the future, such as miscarriage and infection, it is also worth discussing whether the procedure was complete this time.
If it were an ectopic pregnancy, there could be a risk to life.

Reply Date: 2007/08/11

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is important to understand how it works, its effects, and any potential risks associated with its use.

In your case, it seems that your girlfriend took a medication that the pharmacist described as being similar to emergency contraception but with stronger effects. Common forms of emergency contraception include levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (Ella). These medications work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. However, they do not terminate an existing pregnancy, which is a crucial distinction.

The symptoms you mentioned—light bleeding, nausea, and dizziness—are common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills. These symptoms are typically due to hormonal changes caused by the medication and are not indicative of an abortion. It is important to clarify that if a woman is already pregnant, emergency contraception will not be effective in terminating that pregnancy.

Regarding your concerns about future fertility, using emergency contraception does not have long-term effects on a woman's ability to conceive. There is no evidence to suggest that repeated use of emergency contraception leads to difficulties in getting pregnant or increases the risk of miscarriage in future pregnancies. The concern about the uterine lining becoming thinner is more relevant to long-term use of certain hormonal contraceptives, not emergency contraception.

If your girlfriend is experiencing any unusual symptoms or if there is uncertainty about her pregnancy status, it is advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide a pregnancy test and discuss options moving forward, including prenatal care if she is pregnant or further contraceptive options if she is not.

In summary, emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It does not cause abortion and does not affect future fertility. If there are any lingering concerns or symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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