Emergency contraception
Hello, my girlfriend took emergency contraception three times within a week.
After taking the last dose, she experienced bleeding two days later and has pain on the right side of her lower abdomen.
In her previous health check-up, she had elevated white blood cell counts.
Could you please advise what this issue might be? Thank you.
hen ji, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/27
Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: (1) Emergency contraceptive pills contain high concentrations of progestin, which can lead to abnormal shedding of the endometrium as a side effect.
This may result in irregular vaginal bleeding.
(2) Regarding the pain on the lower right side, if it is right lower abdominal pain, one should consider appendicitis, right ovarian hemorrhagic cyst, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
If the pain is on the right side of the vagina or vulva, a pelvic examination is necessary to assist in diagnosis.
This will help determine if there is vaginitis, Bartholin's gland abscess, or vaginal cysts.
Thank you for your inquiry!
Reply Date: 2015/10/27
More Info
Post-coital contraception, commonly known as emergency contraception, is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The most common form of emergency contraception is the use of hormonal pills, often referred to as "morning-after pills." These pills can cause a variety of side effects, and understanding these effects is crucial for anyone considering their use.
In your case, your girlfriend has taken emergency contraception three times within a week, which is relatively frequent. While emergency contraceptive pills are generally safe, taking them multiple times in a short period can lead to increased side effects. Common side effects of these pills include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. The bleeding she experienced two days after taking the last pill could be a side effect of the hormones in the medication, which can cause withdrawal bleeding similar to a menstrual period.
The pain she is experiencing on the right side could be related to several factors. One possibility is that it could be a side effect of the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraception. However, it is also essential to consider other potential causes of abdominal pain, such as ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, or other gynecological issues, especially since she has a history of elevated white blood cell counts, which may indicate an underlying infection or inflammation.
Given her symptoms, it is advisable for her to consult a healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, may be necessary to rule out any serious conditions. Additionally, her healthcare provider may want to assess her overall reproductive health and discuss the implications of using emergency contraception frequently.
It is also important to note that while emergency contraception is effective, it is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control. If she finds herself needing emergency contraception frequently, it may be beneficial for her to explore more reliable and regular contraceptive methods. Options include hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, or other long-term contraceptive methods that can provide effective pregnancy prevention without the side effects associated with emergency contraception.
In summary, while the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to the use of emergency contraception, it is crucial to seek medical advice to rule out any serious conditions and to discuss more sustainable contraceptive options. Regular follow-ups and open communication with a healthcare provider can help ensure her reproductive health is managed effectively.
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