Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive After Intercourse on First Day of Period - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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When it comes to the effectiveness of emergency contraception (EC) after unprotected intercourse, especially during the menstrual period, there are several important factors to consider.
Firstly, it's essential to understand how emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) work. ECPs, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) and Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness of these pills diminishes significantly.
In your case, you mentioned having intercourse on the first day of your girlfriend's period and taking an emergency contraceptive pill the following morning. Generally, the first day of menstruation indicates that ovulation has already occurred in the previous cycle, and the chances of becoming pregnant from intercourse during menstruation are relatively low. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, but if your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is regular, it is likely that she would not ovulate until later in her cycle.

Regarding the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive taken after intercourse on the first day of her period, it is still likely to be effective, especially since you took it within 24 hours after the encounter. The fact that she experienced minimal side effects after taking the pill is also a positive sign, as many women do experience some side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or headache, but these are generally mild and temporary.

As for the likelihood of pregnancy, given that you had intercourse during her menstrual period and took the emergency contraceptive promptly, the chances of pregnancy are quite low. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is always a small risk involved. If your girlfriend's next menstrual cycle is delayed by more than a week, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

In summary, taking emergency contraception after intercourse on the first day of menstruation is likely to be effective, and the low incidence of side effects is normal. The chances of pregnancy in this scenario are minimal, but if there are any concerns or if her period is late, a pregnancy test would be a prudent next step. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any ongoing concerns regarding contraceptive methods and reproductive health.