Emergency Contraception: Your Questions Answered

Q: Emergency Contraception: Your Questions Answered

Hello： (1) If August 22 is the expected date for a normal menstrual period, then pregnancy is not possible. <br>(2) If August 22 is not the expected date for a normal menstrual period, many people experience abnormal uterine bleeding after taking emergency contraception, so a pre

Emergency contraceptive pill

On August 16, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend and discovered that the condom broke.
My boyfriend immediately bought emergency contraception for me to take.
On August 22, I had some brownish discharge, and on August 23, I experienced bleeding that was similar to a menstrual flow, not brown in color.
By August 26, the bleeding had stopped.
I took a pregnancy test on August 23 and it showed negative.
Is this accurate?

Yi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/26

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: (1) If August 22 is the expected date for a normal menstrual period, then pregnancy is not possible.
(2) If August 22 is not the expected date for a normal menstrual period, many people experience abnormal uterine bleeding after taking emergency contraception, so a pregnancy test should be taken again in early September to rule out pregnancy.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2015/08/26

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a vital option for individuals who have had unprotected intercourse or experienced contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. In your case, since you had intercourse on August 16 and took emergency contraception shortly after, you acted promptly, which is crucial for the effectiveness of EC.
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, although some types can be effective up to 5 days later. The sooner you take them, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy. The bleeding you experienced starting on August 22 could be a side effect of the emergency contraception. It is not uncommon for ECPs to cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including spotting or bleeding that may resemble a period.

Regarding the pregnancy test you took on August 23, it is generally reliable if taken at least a week after the unprotected intercourse. Since you took the test a week after the incident and it showed negative, it is likely accurate, especially considering that you took emergency contraception. However, if your period does not arrive within a week of when you expect it, or if you have any concerns, it is advisable to take another pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

It’s also important to note that while emergency contraception is effective, it is not intended for regular use and should not replace regular contraceptive methods. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception frequently, it may be beneficial to discuss long-term contraceptive options with your healthcare provider.

In summary, based on the timeline you provided, it seems that you have taken the appropriate steps to prevent pregnancy after the condom failure. The bleeding you experienced could be a side effect of the emergency contraception, and the negative pregnancy test is reassuring. If you have further concerns or if your menstrual cycle does not normalize, seeking medical advice would be a prudent next step.

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