Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Emergency contraception (EC) is a critical topic for anyone who is sexually active and wants to prevent unintended pregnancies. It is essential to understand how it works, its effectiveness, and what to expect after taking it.

Firstly, emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. In your case, even though there was no ejaculation inside the vagina, pre-ejaculate fluid (which can contain sperm) may still pose a risk of pregnancy. Therefore, taking emergency contraception was a prudent decision.

There are two primary types of emergency contraception: hormonal pills (like levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). The hormonal pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours for levonorgestrel and up to 120 hours for ulipristal acetate. The copper IUD can be inserted by a healthcare provider and is effective for up to five days after unprotected sex.

Regarding your specific questions:
1. Menstrual Cycle Changes: After taking emergency contraception, it is common for your girlfriend's next menstrual period to be affected. Some women experience their period earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual. This is due to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive pill. However, if her period is more than a week late, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

2. Vomiting and Re-dosing: If your girlfriend vomits within two hours of taking the emergency contraceptive pill, it is generally recommended to take another dose. This is because the body may not have absorbed the medication effectively if vomiting occurs shortly after ingestion. If she vomits after two hours, the medication is likely to have been absorbed, and she should not take another dose.

3. Side Effects: Some common side effects of emergency contraception can include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. These side effects are usually temporary and should resolve within a few days.

4. Follow-up: It is important for your girlfriend to monitor her menstrual cycle after taking the emergency contraceptive. If she has any concerns or experiences severe side effects, she should consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, if she finds herself needing emergency contraception frequently, it may be worth discussing more reliable, long-term contraceptive options with a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Understanding how it works and what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and ensure that you and your partner make informed decisions about your sexual health. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.