 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Questions and Answers: Emergency Contraception
Click here to view the Emergency Contraception
FAQs
I got my period 3 days after taking ECP, but no period since then. Why?
Girlfriend took ECP, hasn't
gotten her period 1 month later. Is she pregnant?
If I had sex too early after starting birth
control, can I take the ECP?
Is it normal for my period to end two
days after I take the ECP?
Is it normal to get your period early
after taking ECP?
I took the ECP and my period has lasted
for 10 days. Is this normal?
When will I get my period after I take the ECP?
How early will I get my period if I take
the ECP?
If I take the second pill 20 hours late,
how effective does the ECP remain?
I took the ECP and my period came early.
Is this normal?
I only took one dose of ECP and have had
side effects. Did it work?
If I bleed a week after taking the ECP, is
the blood my period?
I took the last birth control pill,
but no period yet. Should I get ECP?
Does the ECP protect you from unprotected
sex between doses?
I took the ECP and I only bled for 3 days.
Am I pregnant?
I threw up 8 hours after I took my first dose.
Is it still effective?
I took the ECP and had some pregnancy
symptoms; could ECP cause them?
Took ECP... Two periods in one month.
Is it bad to take ECP often?
Can ECP change my cycle? Am I pregnant?
Is it normal to experience lower abdomen
pain after taking ECP?
I took the ECP and I haven't gotten my
period within a week. Am I pregnant?
I took the ECP and I don't know if
it delayed my period, or if I'm pregnant.
I took the ECP today and now I have cramps.
Could I be pregnant?
I started my period but I have pregnancy
symptoms. Could I be pregnant?
I got my period, but I'm still having
unprotected sex. Could I be pregnant?
Can Ovcon 35 be used for emergency contraception?
QUESTION: i had a
chemical miscarige then after 2 weeks my b/f and i had unprotected
sex and i took plan b after taking plan 3 days later i had a
period after that a month and a half later no period took pregnacy
test came out negative wats goin on. can i get pregnat while
not having a perriod (April 18, 2005)
ANSWER: Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized
by sperm; it is possible for a woman to become pregnant even
if she does not have her period, provided she is ovulating (releasing
eggs). Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) such as Plan B can
affect a woman's menstrual cycle- after taking ECP, a woman's
next period may be earlier or later, heavier or lighter, or
spotty. The ECP affects every woman differently. Women who do
not get their period within three weeks of taking ECP, or who
start to show signs of pregnancy should visit a clinician to
take a pregnancy test. If you think you might be pregnant, it
is recommended you take a pregnancy test.
QUESTION: my
girlfriend and i had unprotected sex. She took plan b and got
her period. 1 month later her period has yet to start whats
going on. She used the pill only once and we have been sexually
dormant between her last period and today. Is it the pills that
isnt making her get her period or is she pregnant (February
28, 2005)
ANSWER: Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) can affect
a woman's menstrual cycle- after taking ECP, a woman's next
period may be earlier or later, heavier or lighter, or spotty.
The ECP affects every woman differently. Women who do not get
their period within three weeks of taking ECP, or who start
to show signs of pregnancy should visit a clinician to take
a pregnancy test. If your girlfriend thinks she might be pregnant,
it is recommended she take a pregnancy test.
QUESTION: I am wearing
the birth control patch. i had unprotected sex after 42 hrs.
Can i take the ecp and reduce the risk of getting pregnant?
(February 28, 2005)
ANSWER: Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) are generally
are taken to reduce the likelihood of becoming pregnant after
an incident of unprotected sex, or if the regular method of
birth control failed during sexual intercourse. If you are concerned
about having unprotected sex, it is recommended you speak with
your clinician; s/he can help you determine if ECP is right
for you.
For more information about ECP, please visit our ECP
FAQ.
QUESTION: I had brief
unprotected sex for a little while and then my boyfriend ended
up putting on a condom. I got my period the next day. He let
me know he was worried so I went to get the morning after pill.
I was still on my period. My period ended 2 days later. I thought
this was normal since I took a form of birth control. A couple
days later I had spotting for one day. It has been 28 days since
the start of that period the day after I had sex and I have
not started my period again and I am very worried. What are
the chances I could be pregnant? (February 28, 2005)
ANSWER: Please see the Pregnancy
FAQ and the Emergency Contraception
FAQ for answers to your questions.
QUESTION: i took
ECP and my period came early.Is this normal? (February
24, 2005)
ANSWER: Please read the Emergency
Contraception FAQ for the answer to your question.
QUESTION: I took the morning
after pill about two weeks ago and i got my period
a few days after that. im scared because i still have my period.
its been about 10 days. i know that plan b can change you're
period but should i see a doctor? (February 21, 2005)
ANSWER: The Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP) affects every
woman differently; what is 'normal' for one woman may be different
than what is 'normal' for another woman. If you are concerned
about the length of your period it is recommended you see your
clinician.
For more information about ECP, please visit our ECP
FAQ.
QUESTION: I had Sex on the 25 janurary
05 without a condom a few hours after that i went to the clinic
and took the ECP but im worried because i havent had my period
yet for february (February 18, 2005)
ANSWER: For information about Emergency Contraceptive Pills
(ECP) please visit our Emergency Contraception
FAQ.
QUESTION: Hi. I recently took
the morning after pill. I had gotten my original period on January
19th. I had sex 2 days before my period ended and the condom
broke. I went to a clinic and I took the pills. I was sick.
But during the time that I was taking the pills I didn't see
any spotting. Now, being February 1st ...I saw heavy bleeding.
And I'm not sure if this is my period or if it could just be
spotting. How early can a girl get her period after she has
taken the pills? thanks. (February 2, 2005)
ANSWER: For the answer to this and other questions related
to Emergency Contraception (EC), please visit our EC
FAQ.
QUESTION: I was givin ECP, but
I'm not sure what kind. I was told to take the second dose 12
hours after the first dose, however I did not wake up at the
correct time, and ended up taking the second dose about 20 hours
later. How much higher did I raise the possiblity of becoming
pregant? (January 20, 2005)
ANSWER: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) prevent pregnancy
about 75-89% of the time if taken within 120 hours (5 days)
after unprotected intercourse. As with any medication, it is
important to take ECP as prescribed by your clinician. Not taking
the pills as directed can alter the effectiveness; how much
it alters it is hard to say. Pregnancy is dependent on a number
of factors, and therefore it would be difficult to predict how
taking the pills late altered the possibility of pregnancy based
on the circumstances surrounding your specific case. If you
have any questions regarding ECP and it's effectiveness, it
is recommended that you speak to your clinician.
If you are interested in reading more about ECP
and pregnancy please visit the
FAQ links for each topic.
QUESTION: is it normal
to experience pain in the lower abdomen for a few days after
taking the morning after pill, or could this be a sign of an
ectopic pregnancy. (January 21, 2004)
ANSWER: Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness,
irregular bleeding, fluid retention, cramping and headaches
are a few of the symptoms one may experience when using Emergency
Contraceptive Pills (ECP).
ECPs may not prevent ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies
are pregnancies in which the embryo develops outside the uterus.
They must be treated or they
will cause serious complications.
If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy, it is important
that you get
medical attention immediately. Signs of ectopic pregnancy may
include: severe
pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen, abdominal pain
and spotting,
especially after a very light or missed menstrual period, as
well as feeling
faint or dizzy.
Currently, there is no reason to believe that ECPs will harm
a fetus. However,
it is not advised that you use ECPs if you know you are pregnant.
QUESTION: I recently
had sex with my partner and the condom broke. The next day I
went to the clinic and got on emergency contraceptive. It was
a series of 2 pills, one taken 12 hours later after taking the
first pill. For the few days following I experienced light bleeding
and cramps, and I was told that I should receive my period within
21 days, or around a week later than when I usually get my period.
I should have gotten my real period this past Wednesday, today
is Sunday...and still no period. Is this a strong chance that
I am pregnant? I have been experiencing cramps and stomach aches,
but I have also been very stressed anticipating my period, along
with the stress of school, finals, etc. I also started taking
diet pills during the past week (Trim Spa) could this have effected
my period in any way? (December 16, 2003)
ANSWER: When taking emergency contraception
there are side effects, one side effect is when a woman's next
period comes. As far as Planned Parenthood states, this could
be earlier or later than normal and your period could be heavier
or lighter than normal.
Since the clinician you saw said that there is a possibility
it would be approximately a week after your normal period before
your next period will come, which would be this Wednesday, then
your period may come very soon. Just because your period hasn't
come earlier in the week does not mean their is a higher chance
of pregnancy. Stress can also play a role in some women's menstrual
cycle.
If your period does not come though, it is recommended you see
your clinician again for a check-up as there could be a chance
pregnancy has occurred. If you see a different clinician than
before, it's recommended you let them know you took emergency
contraception pills as well as the date you took them.
QUESTION: I took
the morning after pills on 28th October, the day when my partner's
condom broke. My last period was on 1st October and till now
(6th Nov), my expected period has not come yet. But today, I
experienced really light spotting which lasted for only a very
short while. I've been feeling dizzy lately. What are my chances
of being pregnant? Could it be ectopic pregnancy? I'll be leaving
for Cambodia in 4 days time. I need to know if I require medical
attention immediately. Thanks. (November 5, 2003)
ANSWER: After taking Emergency Contraception
Pills (ECP) your period can be earlier/later and heavier/lighter,
but because you have having other signs it is suggested you
see your clinician as soon as possible - before you leave for
Cambodia.
If you do not have a clinician and are a UIC student you are
able to go to the UIC
Family Medicine Clinic , 312 -996-2901.
QUESTION: I had just finished
my period about a minute before me and my boyfriend had sex
with a condom. The condom broke. He pulled out before he came.
I got the morning after pill. I took the morning after pill
today, and I have cramps today. What is the chance I could be
pregnant? (July 25, 2003)
ANSWER: According to Planned
Parenthood the "side effects associated with the use
of ECP usually taper off one or two days after the second dose
has been taken.
- Less than half of the women who take the combined pills feel
sick to their stomachs, but only for about 24 hours.
- Fewer than one out of five women throw up with combined pills.
- The risk of nausea and vomiting is lower with progestin-only
ECPs.
- Breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, dizziness,
and headaches may also occur.
Frequent use of ECPs may cause periods to become irregular and
unpredictable. The side effects of anti-nausea medication may
include drowsiness. Please follow the precautions on the package
insert.
Emergency contraception may not prevent ectopic pregnancy. An
ectopic pregnancy is one that develops outside the uterus. It
must be treated to prevent complications that may be fatal.
If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy, get medical
attention immediately. Signs of ectopic pregnancy include
- severe pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen
- abdominal pain and spotting, especially after a very light
or missed menstrual period
- feeling faint or dizzy"
As for the chances of you being pregnant goes, if you took the
first EC pill within 72 hours of vaginal intercourse they can
reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 - 89 percent.
QUESTION: I had
sex with my boyfriend and we had unprotected sex and he pulled
out but I felt him ejaculate really close to my vaginal opening
if not exactly on it. We were scared and we went to a clinic
to get the morning after pill. I took the pill and a few days
later I started my menstrual period I’m still paranoid and I
think I am pregnant. I have had symptoms like feeling really,
really tired. I would like to know if there is a possibility
that the morning after pill did not work? and I could be pregnant
because I have some of the symptoms.
ANSWER: Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP)
Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy by up to 95 Percent, so there is
only a 5% possibility someone can still become pregnant after
taking ECP's. If you are still nervous after reading this response,
I recommend you schedule an appointment with your clinician.
After You Take the Pills
Reference: Planned Parenthood
• Your next period may be earlier or later than usual.
• Your flow may be heavier, lighter, or more spotty than usual.
• If you see other health care providers before you get your
period, remember to tell them that you have taken emergency
contraception pills.
• Schedule a follow-up visit with your clinician if you do not
have your period in three weeks or if you have symptoms of pregnancy.
Which could be: a missed menstrual period, nausea, inexplicable
fatigue, sore or enlarged breasts, headaches, and frequent urination.
• Be sure to use another method of contraception if you have
vaginal intercourse any time before you get your period again.
• Continue using the birth control method of your choice for
as long as you want to avoid pregnancy.
Side Effects of ECPs (which usually taper off one or two days
after the second dose has been taken)
Reference: Planned Parenthood
• Half of the women who take the combined pills feel sick to
their stomachs, but only for about 24 hours.
• Up to one out of three women throw up with combined pills.
• The risk of nausea and vomiting is lower with progestin-only
ECPs.
• Breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, dizziness,
and headaches may also occur.
Frequent use of ECPs may cause periods to become irregular and
unpredictable. The side effects of anti-nausea medication may
include lightheadedness, dizziness, or feeling spacey.
QUESTION: I had
sex with my boyfriend, and then I took the morning after pill,
it made me come on almost straight away but I only stayed on
for a couple of days but it has been 2 weeks and I am still
having unprotected sex with him and now I’m not feeling well
I have backache its at the bottom of my back and I've been sick
could I be pregnant?
ANSWER: The morning-after pill is prescribed
by a clinician within 72 hours of unprotected sex/failed contraceptive
method. It is a combination of pills usually taken over a period
of about 2 - 3 days. If you continue to have unprotected vaginal
sex, there is a possibility of pregnancy as the morning-after
pill only decreases the chance of pregnancy from one sexual
act. It does not reduce your risk of pregnancy for days/weeks
at a time and is not designed to be used as a regular contraceptive
method.
The other factor that plays a large role in if you are pregnant
or not is when you ovulate (release of the egg from the ovaries
into the fallopian tubes). If you have a regular cycle, for
instance a 28-day cycle, day 14 is when you usually ovulate
(day 15 if it's a 30-day cycle, etc.). Day 1 is the start of
your period. Ovulation is a woman's peak time to become pregnant.
Now, sperm can live in a woman's body for 5 - 7 days and the
egg lives for about 1 day. So, if you have unprotected vaginal
sex up to 5 - 7 days before ovulation, there is a higher possibility
of pregnancy than other times during your cycle. This doesn't
mean this is the only time you are able to get pregnant during
your cycle, it's just a higher likelihood during this time period.
Currently, the only way you'll be able to know if you are pregnant
at this point (since it is very early into the possibility)
is to have a pregnancy test done by your clinician. You also
have the option of waiting to see if you miss your next period
and take an over-the-counter pregnancy test or see your clinician
at that point. If you do not have a clinician and are a UIC
student you are able to go to the UIC
Family Medicine Clinic. Please visit the Wellness Center's
website at www.wellctr.uic.edu
to find contact information on Family Medicine as well as other
clinic's in Chicago.
If you'd like to look into your options on how to protect yourself
please stop by the Wellness Center to talk with the Health Educator.
The Wellness Center also offers free condoms to UIC students.
QUESTION: Can ovcon 35
be used for ECP?
ANSWER: Emergency contraception (EC) needs
to be prescribed by a clinician. It is not safe or healthy for
your body to take medicine that is not prescribed specifically
for you by your clinician. If you would like to find out where
you can talk to a clinician about the possibility of EC, please
visit our Pregnancy Testing Sites page with a list of area clinics
including Family Medicine here at UIC and Planned Parenthood
locations.
|
|
|
