Emergency Contraception and Its Effects on Menstrual Cycle

Q: Emergency Contraception and Its Effects on Menstrual Cycle

Hello： You may be concerned about the issue of unintended pregnancy, which is often referred to as such because it occurs in unexpected situations. <br>When facing such concerns, it is advisable to consult a professional physician. <br>Even a specialized obstetrician-gynecologist

Is there any?

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 emergency contraception 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 contraception? 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 contraception, what would the probability be (100% certainty)? We didn't use a condom, it was just over a minute, there was no ejaculation, and the tip was dry when I pulled out.

Niming 321, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/02

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: You may be concerned about the issue of unintended pregnancy, which is often referred to as such because it occurs in unexpected situations.
When facing such concerns, it is advisable to consult a professional physician.
Even a specialized obstetrician-gynecologist will need to utilize examinations and follow-ups to address your questions.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2013/09/02

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is important to understand how it works, its effects on the menstrual cycle, and the potential side effects that may arise after taking it.

In your case, since you and your girlfriend had unprotected intercourse on August 26 and she took an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) within 72 hours, she has taken the right step to prevent potential pregnancy. ECPs, such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, work primarily by delaying ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of the pill decreases significantly.
Regarding the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, it is not uncommon for women to experience side effects after taking emergency contraception. These can include fatigue, breast tenderness, nausea, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. The symptoms you described, such as feeling tired and having mild body aches, can be attributed to hormonal changes caused by the ECP. These side effects are generally temporary and should resolve within a few days.

As for her menstrual cycle, taking an ECP can cause changes in the timing and flow of her next period. It is not unusual for the next period to be earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual. Since she typically has a 30-day cycle and is expecting her period around September 4, it is possible that the ECP may cause a delay. If her period does not arrive within a week of the expected date, it is advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

In terms of the likelihood of pregnancy, if you did not ejaculate and the tip of your penis was dry when you withdrew, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced. However, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and there is still a small risk of pregnancy. Without the use of emergency contraception, the risk of pregnancy from unprotected intercourse can range from 15% to 25%, depending on the timing of the woman's ovulation in relation to the intercourse.

In summary, your girlfriend's symptoms after taking the emergency contraceptive pill are likely normal side effects, and changes in her menstrual cycle can occur. If her period is delayed beyond a week, she should take a pregnancy test. The risk of pregnancy from the encounter you described is low, especially given the circumstances. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to address any concerns regarding contraceptive methods and sexual health.

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