Patient's question:
If I am really pregnant, will taking emergency contraception be effective? Is it too late to take it on the night of December 12? What are the side effects? Follow-up question 1: Doctor, I had my period on November 27 and it stopped on December 2. On December 10, I had sexual intercourse with my husband.Doctor's answer:
Emergency contraception pills are not 100% effective; their advertised efficacy is generally above 90%. Moreover, the side effects of emergency contraception pills can be significant. When taking emergency contraception pills, the following precautions should be noted: First, emergency contraception pills only work for the current act of unprotected sex and can only be taken once per menstrual cycle. After taking the pill, sexual activity should not occur without protection, and other reliable contraceptive methods should still be used during this cycle. If vomiting occurs after taking the pill, an additional dose should be taken. Second, emergency contraception is only a temporary remedy and should absolutely not be used repeatedly as a regular contraceptive method. Women who have confirmed pregnancy should not use emergency contraception pills. Third, if there is a small amount of vaginal bleeding after taking the pill that is not like menstrual bleeding, it may indicate that contraception was not successful. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If pregnancy occurs after a failed emergency contraception attempt, the risk of neonatal malformations is high, and pregnancy must be terminated. Lastly, it is important to emphasize that emergency contraception should be taken under the guidance of a doctor. Fourth, it is best not to take it a second time within a month, as it can harm health and may render the pill ineffective. Within a year, it is advisable to take it no more than three times, as this medication can have significant adverse effects on women, including menstrual disorders and potential carcinogenic risks.