Can emergency contraceptive pills cause infertility? Experts will tell you

Generally speaking, although emergency contraceptive pills have some side effects, they will not cause infertility in women. However, nothing is absolute because everyone's physical condition is different. For example, some people are particularly weak, so they must be extra careful when taking contraceptive pills.

1. Pigmentation

A few people develop pigmentation on their forehead and facial skin after taking the medicine. This is the result of the effects of estrogen and progesterone, and usually recovers naturally after stopping the medicine.

2. Menstrual disorders

① Decreased menstrual flow or amenorrhea. This situation often occurs after taking short-acting contraceptives. This is because the drugs inhibit ovulation, the ovaries secrete less estrogen, the amount of estrogen contained in the drugs is also less, the endometrium cannot grow normally, the endometrium is thin, so the menstrual flow is reduced, or even menstruation stops.

② Breakthrough bleeding. If bleeding occurs while taking medication, it usually occurs after missing a dose. A small number of people may experience vaginal bleeding even if they have not missed a dose.

③ Increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual period. It often occurs in people who take long-acting oral contraceptives. When bleeding is heavy, hemostatic drugs can be used, and testosterone propionate can be injected if necessary. If the menstrual volume continues to increase and bleeding continues for more than 3 months, you should stop taking long-acting oral contraceptives and take short-acting ones instead.

3. Early pregnancy reaction

Pregnancy-like reactions are common, accounting for about 50% of the number of people taking the medicine. Symptoms are usually severe at first, then become mild and gradually disappear, which may be related to the body's gradual adaptation. A small number of people experience mild early pregnancy-like reactions in the early stages of taking the medication, such as nausea, dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, etc.

4. Weight Gain

It may be that estrogen causes water and sodium retention, and progesterone affects anabolism (increased progesterone promotes protein assimilation), thus causing some women to gain weight. Generally no treatment is required. Oral diuretics or a low-salt diet can be given, and the medication can be stopped if necessary.