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I had unprotected sex, he didn't finish , despite that I took an EC about 8 hours later. That was four days ago now, and for the past two days I've been experiencing extreme fatigue. My next period isn't scheduled to come for another 3 or 4 days. Is the fatigue an early symptom of a possible pregnancy? When is the earliest I can take a pregnancy test? How effective is an emergency contraceptive? I'm unnerved by this, mostly because this is my first time taking an emergency contraceptive. Any information to help ease my mind would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi Anon,
Thank you for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community.
Fatigue is listed as one of the common possible side effects of using emergency contraception. In addition to nausea, headache, lower abdomen pain, dizziness, vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness.
You can take an early response home pregnancy test or have your doctor administer one at any time. But if you have taken the EC as instructed, then preventing pregnancy has likely been successful.
The side effects should only last a day or two. If you are experiencing anything longer, call your doctor to make an appointment to looking into further.
Remember, emergency contraception is only for true emergencies. Since your boyfriend didn't finish, it sounds like you took the EC as a precautionary measure. Emergency contraception is not intended for that use and can be really hard on your body, so in the future, only use if there is truely a risk.
I hope this helps.
November 12, 2015 - 2:22pmBe well,
~Gillette
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