Patient's question:
I had sexual intercourse with my husband on the 7th day of my menstrual period (when it had already ended) and took emergency contraception that same day. Then, about a week later, I experienced another period (which I felt was a period) that lasted for 3 days. The last 3 days were almost over. Is this a normal phenomenon?Doctor's answer:
Under normal circumstances, taking emergency contraception within 72 hours of cohabitation is effective. Emergency contraception contains a high level of estrogen. The dosage of one emergency contraceptive pill is equivalent to the amount of a regular short-term oral contraceptive pill taken over 8 days. Taking an excessive dose can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, menstrual cycle disorders, ovarian suppression, and other phenomena, disrupting the normal menstrual cycle and causing endocrine disorders. If taken for a long time, severe cases may result in amenorrhea. This can affect ovulation, thereby impacting fertility. Generally, no more than 3 pills should be taken in a year.