Emergency Contraception: What to Do After Unprotected Sex? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Emergency contraception (EC) is a crucial option for preventing unintended pregnancies after unprotected sex. In your situation, it seems that your girlfriend had her menstrual period on December 1st and then had unprotected intercourse on December 13th. You took the responsible step of purchasing emergency contraception for her, which is great. However, your concern about her experiencing discomfort and whether she should take another dose of the emergency contraceptive is valid.

Firstly, let's clarify how emergency contraception works. EC pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent ovulation. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours for Plan B and up to 120 hours for Ella. The effectiveness decreases the longer you wait to take them. If your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive shortly after the unprotected intercourse, it should have significantly reduced the risk of pregnancy.

Regarding her menstrual cycle, if she had her period on December 1st, she would likely be in the luteal phase of her cycle on December 13th. This phase typically occurs after ovulation, which means that the chances of her being fertile at that time are lower, especially if she had a regular cycle. However, if she had unprotected sex and did not take the emergency contraceptive in time, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

Now, concerning her discomfort after taking the emergency contraceptive, it is common for women to experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, or changes in their menstrual cycle after taking EC pills. These symptoms can occur as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. If she is feeling unwell, it is essential to monitor her symptoms. If they persist or worsen, she should consult a healthcare provider.

As for your question about whether she should take a second dose of emergency contraception, it is generally not recommended to take more than one dose of EC within the same menstrual cycle unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. Taking multiple doses in a short period can increase the risk of side effects without significantly improving the chances of preventing pregnancy.
If your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is disrupted (for example, if she experiences an unexpected period shortly after taking the EC), it could be a side effect of the medication. However, if her period is delayed by more than a week, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether she is pregnant.

In summary, your girlfriend should not take a second dose of emergency contraception unless advised by a healthcare provider. If she is feeling unwell, it is essential to monitor her symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. Lastly, if there are any concerns about pregnancy, a home pregnancy test can provide clarity. Always remember that while emergency contraception is a valuable option, it is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control. Regular contraceptive methods should be discussed and considered for future sexual activity to prevent unintended pregnancies effectively.