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Can emergency contraceptive pills cause menstrual irregularities?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, emergency contraceptives may cause menstrual disorders. If discomfort occurs, timely medical treatment is recommended. Common emergency contraceptive drugs include desogestrel ethinyl estradiol tablets, compound medroxyprogesterone tablets, compound levonorgestrel tablets, mifepristone tablets, etc. These medications achieve contraceptive effects by delaying or preventing the release of the egg cell. Emergency contraceptives contain high doses of progestin.

Generally, menstrual irregularity refers to menstrual disorder, and emergency contraceptive pills may cause menstrual disorders. If discomfort occurs, timely medical treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Commonly used emergency contraceptive pills include desogestrel ethinyl estradiol tablets, compound medroxyprogesterone tablets, compound levonorgestrel tablets, mifepristone tablets, etc. These pills work by delaying or stopping the release of ova to achieve contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of progesterone, which may disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, inhibit ovulation, and interfere with endometrial growth after consumption, thereby affecting the normal functioning of the endocrine system and leading to menstrual disorders. These disorders may manifest as earlier or delayed menstruation, increased or decreased menstrual flow, etc.

However, there are many causes of menstrual disorders, such as endocrine disorders, abnormal emotions, unhealthy lifestyle habits, drug effects, and organic lesions, which can also lead to menstrual irregularities. Therefore, when symptoms of menstrual disorders appear, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for relevant examinations and subsequent targeted treatment.

Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used as a regular contraceptive method; frequent use can lead to prolonged menstrual irregularities and may even affect fertility. It is recommended to take them no more than three times a year and no more than twice a month.

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