HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Are The Side Effects Of Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

i took an emergency contraceptive within 24 hours of having unprotected sex on the 5th day of my period. after which during the next couple of days, my boyfriend and i had sex again thrice with condom on. however now, after 4 days of that happening, i m getting nauseous and am experience bleeding again after not even a week of my period ending. i m not sure if this is periods of just spotting. can i be pregnant?
Wed, 5 Oct 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,
Thank you for writing to HCM.

Even though emergency pills are considered very safe and effective, occasionally patients report adverse effects. The most common side effects include: heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular menstrual intervals (periods may come earlier or later than one would expect), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness etc. The symptoms you mentioned are indicative of the side effects from the pill, more than symptoms of a pregnancy (it is very unusual to develop nausea from pregnancy only few days after unprotected sexual intercourse).

Even though emergency contraception is very effective in preventing a pregnancy, it is widely advised to take e pregnancy test in order to confirm the result after 2 weeks, for all patients. So I would suggest to take a simple pregnancy test in order to be sure and to avoid using another emergency contraception pill within the same menstrual cycle. Don't forget that emergency contraception is designed for sporadic use, so might need to consult a specialist about a stable contraception method that suits you best.

I hope this helped.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have further question.
All the best.
Dr. Alma
I find this answer helpful

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on HIV


Loading Online Doctors....
What Are The Side Effects Of Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Hello dear, Thank you for writing to HCM. Even though emergency pills are considered very safe and effective, occasionally patients report adverse effects. The most common side effects include: heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular menstrual intervals (periods may come earlier or later than one would expect), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness etc. The symptoms you mentioned are indicative of the side effects from the pill, more than symptoms of a pregnancy (it is very unusual to develop nausea from pregnancy only few days after unprotected sexual intercourse). Even though emergency contraception is very effective in preventing a pregnancy, it is widely advised to take e pregnancy test in order to confirm the result after 2 weeks, for all patients. So I would suggest to take a simple pregnancy test in order to be sure and to avoid using another emergency contraception pill within the same menstrual cycle. Don t forget that emergency contraception is designed for sporadic use, so might need to consult a specialist about a stable contraception method that suits you best. I hope this helped. Don t hesitate to contact me if you have further question. All the best. Dr. Alma