HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologyemergency contraceptive pillMy cousin has been experiencing abdominal pain around her ovaries since she took the emergency contraceptive pill. Why?

What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 17, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My cousin took a contraceptive pill as a precautionary measure, which was her first time using it. Unfortunately, she took it without considering the possible side effects. Three days have passed since she took the medication, and now she is experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort around her ovaries. It has been 72 hours since she took the medicine, and she still feels pain in her abdominal region. I am concerned about how long this pain will last. Could this affect her future menstrual cycles? Is this pain a normal side effect? Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

One should not take hormonal pills unnecessarily as it may disturb the next three to four cycles. The pain she is experiencing is likely due to the medication, and she may experience withdrawal bleeding within two to three days. I suggest she take the tablet Zerodol Spaz (Aceclofenac -100 mg and Drotaverine - 80 mg) whenever needed for pain relief. She should consult her doctor and take the medicines accordingly.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of other queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I wanted to know how long this pain would last. She mentioned about the abdominal pain. Is there any cause for concern or reason to be alarmed? What could be the cause for this pain? Should she consider visiting a doctor, or is there any dietary recommendations to regulate her menstrual cycle after taking the oral contraceptive pill?

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

There is no need to worry or panic at this moment. Since your cousin took the contraceptive pill, there is a possibility that she will experience withdrawal bleeding within two to three days, and the pain should subside later. Even if she does not experience withdrawal bleeding, it is not a problem, as not all females experience it. Both are considered normal. The pain she is experiencing is a common side effect of the pill, similar to the discomfort one might feel just before menstruation. The pain may last for two to three days, or at most for a week, but she can take up to three tablets of Zerodol Spaz (Aceclofenac -100 mg and Drotaverine - 80 mg) daily whenever she experiences pain. She should consult her doctor and take the medicine accordingly.

Her menstrual cycles may be disturbed for three to four months, so I suggest the following:

  1. She should consider regular exercise, such as brisk walking for at least 15 to 30 minutes daily.

  2. Staying hydrated is essential, so she should consume at least six pints daily.

  3. Adding more green leafy vegetables and fruits to her diet would be beneficial.

  4. Managing and minimizing stress is essential to avoid any potential impact on her menstrual cycle.

There is no need to visit a clinic at this point. However, if the pain persists or becomes severe, or if she has any other concerns, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of other queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you again for your reply.

She mentioned that she got her period at the beginning of the month and took the pill at the month's end. Will her period get delayed, come early, or be on time? Also, she experienced pain in the abdominal area, slight fever, and uneasiness. Are these side effects normal?

Since she took the pill for the first time, are there any other side effects to be aware of in the future? I am unaware of this, so I am contacting you for guidance. Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Emergency contraceptive pills contain low hormones, so there is no need to worry as they generally do not cause significant side effects. However, there may be minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain for a few days. If she experiences symptoms after 15 days, it is likely due to some other reason and not the contraceptive pill. It is important to note that withdrawal and menstrual bleeding are different. Withdrawal bleeding is artificially induced bleeding, while menstrual bleeding is natural. The underlying mechanism is similar despite the difference in how they are triggered. If she experiences bleeding around her due date, which should be considered as her menstrual bleeding. In this case, she might get her periods a little earlier due to the pill.

Please remember that while emergency contraceptive pills are effective in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed, they should not be used as a regular method of contraception. If she has any concerns or questions about her health or the use of emergency contraceptive pills, she needs to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

I hope this helps. Please revert in case of further queries. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sanap Sneha Umrao
Dr. Sanap Sneha Umrao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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