Emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, is a remedial measure taken after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy. Typically, one tablet is taken within 72 hours post-coitus, followed by a second tablet 12 hours later; alternatively, two tablets may be taken at once. The package insert indicates a 2% failure rate.Incorrect use of emergency contraception may lead to ectopic pregnancy. Xiao Xiao, 27, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing abdominal pain for one day followed by fainting. Examination revealed an ectopic pregnancy where the gestational sac had implanted in the fallopian tube. Its rupture caused severe pain and massive bleeding, necessitating surgical removal of the sac and repair of the fallopian tube.Xiao Xiao told doctors that after successfully preventing pregnancy with emergency contraception once, she took it continuously for three months. She experienced bleeding during this period but ignored it, never anticipating such severe consequences.
However, in clinical practice, many women fail to read medication instructions, take pills carelessly, or even mistake emergency contraception for regular birth control. The more frequently it's used, the higher the risk of unintended pregnancy, along with potential side effects like menstrual irregularities.
Emergency contraception works by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm passage, and suppressing endometrial development. However, if fertilization has already occurred before taking the medication, the drugs may affect fallopian tube motility. This can prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus normally, causing it to remain in the fallopian tube and increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Are you familiar with the 5 major symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
1. Abdominal pain
Early pregnancy may present with dull pain on one side of the lower abdomen, caused by the expanding fallopian tube as the embryo develops;Cramping lower abdominal pain, extremely severe, causing the patient to turn pale and break out in a cold sweat. This is caused by spasmodic contraction of the fallopian tube and may resolve on its own after a short while. Severe, tearing-like lower abdominal pain accompanied by a feeling of needing to pass stool is caused by bleeding from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. This is a classic early symptom of ectopic pregnancy.
2. Syncope
Women with ectopic pregnancies may suddenly faint during pregnancy. Upon regaining consciousness, they experience dizziness and blurred vision. Mild cases may involve no fall, presenting only with lightheadedness and visual disturbances. This occurs due to significant intra-abdominal bleeding reducing cerebral blood supply, leading to cerebral anemia. Thus, syncope is also a symptom of early ectopic pregnancy.
3. Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
Irregular vaginal bleeding is a symptom of ectopic pregnancy in early pregnancy. At this stage, vaginal bleeding is typically spotting, dark brown in color, and light in volume, not exceeding the amount of a menstrual period. This bleeding occurs due to the detachment of the uterine lining or bleeding from the fallopian tube being expelled through the uterine cavity. Abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding is often a sign of embryonic damage.Therefore, vaginal bleeding should also raise concern as it is one of the early signs of ectopic pregnancy.
4. Shoulder pain
While many conditions involve pain and bleeding, shoulder pain—especially when lying down—is a red flag for ectopic pregnancy requiring immediate medical attention. This pain results from abdominal bleeding irritating nerves that travel to the shoulder.
5. Missed Period
Many individuals experience a missed period. Menstruation may be significantly delayed, sometimes appearing only at 6–8 weeks. Some patients have no clear history of missed periods but experience persistent vaginal bleeding.