Emergency Contraceptives: What to Expect After Taking Them - Obstetrics and Gynecology

More Info

---

Emergency contraceptives (EC), such as the one your girlfriend took (likely a levonorgestrel-based pill like Plan B or a ulipristal acetate pill like Ella), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. It’s important to understand what to expect after taking these medications, including potential side effects and the timing of the next menstrual period.


What to Expect After Taking Emergency Contraceptives
1. Timing of Menstrual Cycle: After taking an emergency contraceptive, your girlfriend's menstrual cycle may be affected. It is common for the next period to come earlier or later than expected. If her period is more than a week late, she should take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant.

2. Side Effects: It is normal for some women to experience side effects after taking emergency contraception. Common side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal cramps or pain
The abdominal cramps your girlfriend is experiencing could be a normal side effect of the medication. These cramps can occur as the body reacts to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive. If the pain is severe or persistent, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider.

3. Effectiveness: Emergency contraceptives are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. They can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% if taken within 72 hours, but they are still effective up to 5 days after intercourse, with decreasing efficacy over time.

4. Next Steps: If your girlfriend's period does not arrive within a week of the expected date, she should take a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, she should contact a healthcare provider for further guidance. If her period comes, it may be lighter or heavier than usual, which is also a common occurrence after taking EC.

5. Future Contraceptive Use: It's important to discuss future contraceptive methods to prevent similar situations. Regular contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, IUDs, or condoms, can provide more reliable protection against unintended pregnancy.


Conclusion
In summary, the abdominal pain your girlfriend is experiencing after taking emergency contraception can be a normal side effect. Her menstrual cycle may be affected, and it is not unusual for her next period to be delayed or altered. If she has concerns about her symptoms or if her period is significantly late, she should reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support. It's also a good opportunity to discuss ongoing contraceptive options to ensure effective pregnancy prevention in the future.