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PREGNANCY

Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptives

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Side effects associated with Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Taking emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) has not been shown to cause any long-term health problems. However, it may cause side effects in some women. Any side effects you experience after taking ECP will normally go away quickly. Progestin-only pills are less severe than symptoms experienced with Estrogen and Progestin containing pills. Common side effects associated with ECP include:

Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects after using ECP. If you throw up within 2 h of taking the pills, you may need to take another dose or use an alternative method. Seek your doctor’s advice. If you vomit after 2 h, you need not to worry as ECP will already have been absorbed into your bloodstream. Your doctor may give you drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting. A possible side effect of taking these medications is dizziness. So you should try to avoid driving, operating machinery and taking alcohol.

Irregular menstrual bleeding
Any irregular bleeding or spotting after taking ECP should not be misunderstood as periods. You may get your period one week prior or later than the expected time. The amount of bleeding is usually normal in the following period but you may expect slightly heavier or lighter flow. However consult your doctor if you have excessive or prolonged bleeding.

Missed period
Most women have their next period within 7 days of the expected date of period. If you do not get your period within 3 weeks after taking ECP, you may consider getting a pregnancy test done. Talk to your doctor.

Other side effects
Side effects like headache, breast pain, dizziness, giddiness, and abdominal cramps are usually minor. Your doctor may give you medicines to help you feel better.

Side effects associated with IUD
You may experience cramps and backache in the first few hours after an intrauterine device (IUD) is placed into your Uterus. Some women may have bleeding for a couple of weeks after IUD insertion. You may have increased heavy periods if you are using the copper IUD. You are also at an increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted disease (STD), especially if you have multiple sex partners. Sometimes bleeding between periods associated with IUD insertion may mask and delay the diagnosis of early pregnancy.

When to call your doctor
  • If you have severe abdominal pain, contact your doctor immediately. It could be a sign of tubal pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention.
  • Since ECP are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, you should see your doctor if you do not have your period within 3 weeks after taking EC.
  • Consult your doctor if you have symptoms of pregnancy.
  • If you have had unprotected sex, you may consider getting tested for STDs
  • If you notice any unusual fluid or odor coming from your Vagina.
  • If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, eye problems such as blurred vision and severe leg pain.
Adapted from: Emergency Contraception and Brief Update on Regular Contraception. Guide Book for Health-Care Providers, authored by Dr. Suneeta Mittal, Director-in-Charge WHO-CCR in Human Reproduction, AIIMS. 2003.

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