Questions about Emergency Contraception

Avatar for rvrcitygrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2004
Questions about Emergency Contraception
4
Wed, 10-27-2004 - 1:35pm
OK- I took EC a little less than 48 hours after unprotected sex, even though my partner did not ejaculate inside. I took the first pill at noon. By 5 pm I could tell that I was ovulating- I have fever and extreme side pain, it's always very obvious- I did take the second dose at midnight. My nurse told me I might get pregnant anyway- I'm wondering did anyone ever get pregnant after using EC and ovulating anyway. Also, I know they say it is unlikely to become pregnant from pre-ejac. fluid, but that is how I became pregnant w/ our third child.

Needless to say, I am a nervous wreck; I am absolutely sick to my stomach over this. Any advice or shared experience would be appreciated. Thanks!


Edited 10/27/2004 2:24 pm ET ET by rvrcitygrl

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 10-27-2004 - 3:47pm
Hi rvrcitygrl, welcome!

There are no guarantees when it comes to contraceptive effectiveness, except with abstinence. However, EC is very effective if taken within 72 hours of the event of concern. Take a look at the EC site: http://ec.princeton.edu/ it has a lot of information you might be interested in, especially in the questions section. You have done all you can at this point so try and think about other things. I know it's hard to do but worrying doesn't help and you could make yourself sick with worry. Let us know how you're doing ok?

Good luck and

(((HUGS)))

      Jill

    

Avatar for rvrcitygrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2004
Wed, 10-27-2004 - 7:58pm
OK- I've read everything online- the plan b site, planned parenthood site, and princeton site- but none of them seems to answer my question. Basically, I know that Plan B reduces the risk by x% points, my question is: if you KNOW you ovulated anyway after taking the ec, then does that change the effectiveness percentage, or is that possibility calculated into the statistic already. I know I'm splitting hairs, but it's hard not to obsess over it, when I still have almost 2 weeks to go before my period is due.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 10-27-2004 - 10:21pm
I don’t know if any studies have been done of Plan B used by women who know they have ovulated. Unless a woman is charting her fertile signs it is usually very difficult to accurately predict ovulation. My guess is that the percent effectiveness used for hormonal EC is for the study population in general. If Ovulation is not suppressed there are additional mechanisms as back-up. See the Plan B prescribing information: http://www.go2planb.com/section/prescribing_info/?PHPSESSID=4543f3f26787626506315630d64d7f40 which says in part:

“CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Emergency contraceptives are not effective if the woman is already pregnant. Plan B is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization (by altering tubal transport of sperm and/or ova). In addition, it may inhibit implantation (by altering the endometrium). It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.”

Hang in there sweetie!

(((HUGS)))

      Jill

    

Avatar for rvrcitygrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2004
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 4:37pm
Thanks for all the great links, Jill. I've read everything I can. All I can do now is just wait. I do chart my ovulation, and I've been 100% accurate w/ my other 3 children. I"ve felt awful all day- a headache and cramps all day and last night. Since it has been 2 days since ov I'm assuming these are side effects of the ecp- I mean, it couldn't be implantation yet, could it? Oh well, there's obviously nothing I can do about it at this point. Thanks for all your help.