Concerns About Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Your Questions Answered

I would like to ask a series of questions regarding emergency contraception. Thank you?

The last menstrual period was from September 16 to September 22, with a cycle length of 29 days.
However, due to an injury before my period in July, I took pain medication (and received a tetanus shot about a week ago), which may have caused my period to be delayed.
This delay could also be due to psychological factors, as my periods have been late for the next few months.
At the end of September, I was concerned about my period affecting my upcoming trip abroad, so I visited a gynecologist in early September and started taking Provera for a week, but my period was still delayed by a few days.

On the night of October 4, after having sexual intercourse, I discovered that the condom had broken.
I immediately went to the pharmacy within an hour to buy emergency contraception.
The pharmacist advised me to take the medication right away and disposed of the packaging for me.
I wanted to check online to find out which type of emergency contraception I had taken, but I couldn't find any information.
The next day, I called the pharmacy and spoke to another person who told me that the medication came in a white elongated box with some purple lines, and the pills were both blue.
The lady on the phone said it was "Shu Mian Ren," but I still couldn't find a picture of the medication online.

I found out that two pills of emergency contraception are supposed to be taken in two doses, but the pharmacist instructed me to take both at once.
I would like to ask: 1.
If I did not take them in two doses, will it cause any effects? 2.
Is it possible that the pharmacist mistakenly gave me the wrong medication, since I cannot find the packaging of what I took? 3.
I read online that taking emergency contraception during the fertile window or after ovulation may result in reduced effectiveness.
I believe I took the medication during the last few days of the fertile window; is it true that the contraceptive effect would be lower? 4.
I also saw rumors online that one should not drink milk after taking the medication, as it could diminish its effectiveness.
I unknowingly drank milk about an hour after taking the medication; will this really affect its efficacy? 5.
About three to four years ago, I took emergency contraception once before, and although it was a different brand, I felt very unwell like I had a severe cold after taking it in the afternoon.
This time, I took it a few hours before bed and did not feel any discomfort; is this normal? I even felt unwell when I took Provera in early September, almost like having a severe cold.

I apologize for the length of my questions, and I appreciate your patience! Although I will find out the correct answers in about a month, I just hope to prepare myself mentally.
Thank you very much for your response!

Q_Q, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/06

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The likelihood of pregnancy is low for the following reasons: 1.
A professional pharmacist is unlikely to dispense the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, so emergency contraception is effective and can reduce the chance of pregnancy by over 80%.
2.
You still used a condom; although it broke, it still provides some contraceptive effect.
3.
You took menstrual regulation medication before your period, which may cause ovarian ovulation to be unstable in the short term, further reducing the chances of pregnancy.
However, there is still a slight possibility of pregnancy.
If your period is significantly delayed, you should take a pregnancy test.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/06

More Info

When it comes to concerns about emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's essential to address your questions with accurate information and reassurance. Let's break down your concerns one by one.

1. Taking Two Pills at Once: If you were advised to take both pills of the emergency contraceptive at once instead of splitting them into two doses, it is generally not harmful. Most emergency contraceptive pills, like Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to be effective when taken as a single dose. However, the specific instructions can vary based on the brand, so it's always best to follow the guidance provided by a healthcare professional or the instructions on the packaging. If you have any lingering doubts, consulting a healthcare provider for clarification is advisable.

2. Concerns About the Medication: If you are unsure whether you received the correct medication, it’s important to verify this with the pharmacy. You can ask for a detailed description of the medication you received, including the name and dosage. If you suspect a mistake was made, it’s crucial to reach out to the pharmacy again or consult a healthcare professional for further advice.

3. Effectiveness During the Fertile Window: Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. If you took the pill within 72 hours after the incident, it can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy, even if it was during your fertile window. However, the effectiveness does decrease the longer you wait after unprotected intercourse. If you are concerned about the timing, consider taking a pregnancy test if your next period is late, or consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

4. Milk Consumption After Taking ECPs: There is a common myth that consuming dairy products after taking emergency contraception can reduce its effectiveness. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Drinking milk after taking the pill should not affect its efficacy. If you have consumed milk after taking the ECP, there is no need to worry about it impacting the medication's effectiveness.

5. Side Effects and Reactions: It is normal for individuals to experience different side effects after taking emergency contraceptive pills. Some may feel mild discomfort, nausea, or fatigue, while others may not experience any side effects at all. The variation in your reactions compared to previous experiences could be due to several factors, including the specific type of emergency contraceptive taken, your body’s response, and the timing of the dose. If you feel significantly unwell or have concerns about your health after taking the medication, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

In summary, while it’s understandable to have concerns about emergency contraceptive pills, it’s important to remember that they are a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy when used correctly. If you have further questions or if your anxiety about the situation persists, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice and support. It’s always better to seek clarification and reassurance from a professional when it comes to your health and well-being.

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