Aby Wu,
Yes, emergency contraception ("EC") can cause changes in your cycle, in which your next period is early or late; lighter or heavier. It can also cause "breakthrough bleeding" (basically, any bleeding that occurs in-between periods). You can think of EC as a "mega dose" of hormonal contraception, and these changes in your cycle do not cause any harm.
What symptoms are you currently experiencing?
No, you can not take EC "whenever", as there are specific criteria for it's success. In order for EC to be most effective it must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and not longer than 120 hours afterwards. It should not be used as a regular form of birth control, since there are higher doses of hormones...the regular pill is much better at regulating your hormone levels where they should be, while preventing pregnancy. "Always" taking EC can have side effects and can be risky if used on a regular basis, due to the larger dose of hormones that are not needed on a regular basis to prevent pregnancy. A much better (and safer) alternative is to use hormonal contraception designed for daily use (ie, the pill). Why are you reluctant to obtain a prescription for this (also...the pill is MUCH cheaper, too!).
Does that answer your questions, or did you have another definition of "whenever"? Please let me know if you still need additional information.
You mentioned that you are your boyfriend are "always safe", and I'm wondering what this means? Are you using barrier contraception (condoms) and/or hormonal contraception (pill, ring, etc) to have safer sex? If so, why were you feeling that you needed to also take EC?
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Aby Wu,
Yes, emergency contraception ("EC") can cause changes in your cycle, in which your next period is early or late; lighter or heavier. It can also cause "breakthrough bleeding" (basically, any bleeding that occurs in-between periods). You can think of EC as a "mega dose" of hormonal contraception, and these changes in your cycle do not cause any harm.
What symptoms are you currently experiencing?
No, you can not take EC "whenever", as there are specific criteria for it's success. In order for EC to be most effective it must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and not longer than 120 hours afterwards. It should not be used as a regular form of birth control, since there are higher doses of hormones...the regular pill is much better at regulating your hormone levels where they should be, while preventing pregnancy. "Always" taking EC can have side effects and can be risky if used on a regular basis, due to the larger dose of hormones that are not needed on a regular basis to prevent pregnancy. A much better (and safer) alternative is to use hormonal contraception designed for daily use (ie, the pill). Why are you reluctant to obtain a prescription for this (also...the pill is MUCH cheaper, too!).
Does that answer your questions, or did you have another definition of "whenever"? Please let me know if you still need additional information.
You mentioned that you are your boyfriend are "always safe", and I'm wondering what this means? Are you using barrier contraception (condoms) and/or hormonal contraception (pill, ring, etc) to have safer sex? If so, why were you feeling that you needed to also take EC?
January 24, 2010 - 8:42amThis Comment
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