Emergency Contraception: Risks and Symptoms Explained

Is there?

I had intercourse with my girlfriend on August 26.
Since we didn't use a condom, I stopped after a little over a minute.
There was no ejaculation inside, and when I pulled out, the tip was dry.
Two days later, she took the emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours.
Now, she feels fatigued every day and has some mild body aches (similar to muscle strain), and she is also experiencing frequent bowel movements.
She mentioned that her period is usually due on September 4, but she has experienced delays in previous months.
However, her last two cycles were regular, occurring every 30 days.
Is it normal to have side effects from the emergency contraceptive pill? Are there any signs of her period coming? What is the probability of her being pregnant (100% certainty)? If she hadn't taken the emergency contraceptive pill, what would the probability be (100% certainty)? We didn't use a condom, it lasted a little over a minute, there was no ejaculation, and the tip was dry when I pulled out.

Niming123, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/02

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The withdrawal method has a success rate of only about 60-70% for contraception.
The subjective perception of the dryness or wetness of the glans penis does not have statistical significance.
After erection, the glans secretes a small amount of clear fluid, which may contain sperm.
Contact with the labia can lead to the possibility of pregnancy.
Among patients seeking consultation, there are cases of women who became pregnant from mere rubbing, even with an intact hymen and no penetration or ejaculation.
This is why the duration of contact is not relevant.
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after sexual intercourse; its effectiveness decreases significantly if taken 48 hours later.
Taking emergency contraception may result in mild side effects such as spotting, fatigue, or headaches.
If these side effects are severe, a visit to the clinic for examination and treatment is necessary.
A missed period does not necessarily indicate pregnancy.
Light spotting may also be a sign of early pregnancy bleeding.
The likelihood of getting a period is not as important; it is essential to take a pregnancy test on the expected date for more accurate results.

Reply Date: 2013/09/02

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Understanding how it works, its risks, and potential symptoms can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.

In your situation, you had unprotected intercourse on August 26 and took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") within 72 hours. This is a critical timeframe, as EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The effectiveness of EC can vary, but it is generally estimated to reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% when taken within the recommended time frame.

Risks and Symptoms of Emergency Contraception
1. Common Side Effects: After taking emergency contraception, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience side effects. These can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Changes in menstrual cycle (earlier or later than expected)
The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as fatigue and mild body aches, could be related to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive pill. These symptoms are generally temporary and should resolve within a few days.

2. Menstrual Changes: Emergency contraception can affect the menstrual cycle. It is possible for the next period to be earlier, later, or heavier than usual. Since your girlfriend's expected period was on September 4, and she has a history of irregular cycles, it is essential to monitor her menstrual pattern. If her period is significantly delayed (more than a week), it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant.

3. Pregnancy Risk Without EC: If emergency contraception had not been taken, the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse can be significant, especially if ovulation is imminent. The likelihood of conception varies based on the timing of the menstrual cycle, but it can be as high as 20-30% if intercourse occurs during the fertile window.

Understanding the Effectiveness of EC
- With EC: Since your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill, the chance of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it is not 100% effective. Factors such as timing of the pill intake and individual variations in response to the medication can influence its effectiveness.

- Without EC: If no emergency contraception were taken, the risk of pregnancy would depend on the timing of ovulation relative to the unprotected intercourse. Given that you did not ejaculate and the withdrawal method was used, this may lower the risk somewhat, but it is not a reliable method of contraception.

Conclusion
In summary, while your girlfriend is experiencing some side effects from the emergency contraception, these are generally normal and should subside. It is crucial for her to monitor her menstrual cycle closely. If her period does not arrive as expected, taking a pregnancy test would be a prudent step. If there are any concerns or if symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for further evaluation and guidance.
Emergency contraception is a safe and effective option for preventing unintended pregnancy, but it is essential to understand its limitations and potential side effects. Always consider discussing contraceptive options with a healthcare provider for more personalized advice and to explore long-term contraceptive methods.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Emergency Contraception: Risks and Effects Explained

Hello, doctor. My girlfriend and I had sexual intercourse on the 26th, and I ejaculated inside her. Her last menstrual period started on June 16, and her cycle is 30 days. What is the likelihood of her becoming pregnant? Afterward, I accompanied her to the gynecologist to get med...

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
A regular menstrual cycle is 30 days, with ovulation estimated to occur around days 15 to 16 of the cycle. Engaging in unprotected intercourse on day 11 of the cycle theoretically has a low chance of resulting in pregnancy; however, there is concern that ovulation may sometimes o...

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Symptoms and Concerns

If you took emergency contraception three hours after unprotected intercourse and then experienced abdominal pain, cold sweats, and bleeding about five hours later, it is possible that these symptoms are related to the medication rather than a sign of a fertilized egg that has no...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The most common side effect of emergency contraceptive pills is nausea, followed by lower abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and vomiting. Additionally, symptoms such as breast tenderness and vaginal bleeding may occur. Therefore, your symptoms are likely caused by the e...

Understanding the Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills for Regular Cycles

If your menstrual cycle is regular and you have no significant family history of hereditary diseases, taking emergency contraceptive pills may still have some side effects. Common side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in you...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the common side effects of oral contraceptives may include: headaches, dizziness, heavy or irregular menstruation, nausea, vomiting, edema, increased cervical mucus, cervical hypertrophy, increased appetite, weight gain, skin itching, acne, fatigue, depression, flushing, f...

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effects and Concerns

Hello, I would like to ask: 1. Are the symptoms of weight gain and slight menstrual irregularities after taking emergency contraceptive pills reversible? 2. Are there any specific side effects associated with emergency contraceptive pills? 3. Will it cause difficulties in future ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, in response to your inquiry: 1. Taking any emergency contraceptive may affect the timing, duration, and flow of your menstrual period, but this varies by individual. Generally, pure high-dose progesterone formulations are less likely to disrupt the menstrual cycle. 2. ...