Hello doctor, I had unprotected sex about 12 hours ago. No ejaculation occurred but I knew there was still a risk of getting pregnant. I am thinking of using the Yasmin pills as a form of emergency contraception. Note that I have never taken the pill before and this would be the first time. I have read that I should take four tablets of Yasmin at a time and another four tablets after 12 hours. Would this still be the same if I had never taken the pill before? What will be the possible side effects of the high amount of dosage for the first time? Please advice.
Hello. Yes, as you have read, Yasmin (Drospirenone) can be used as an emergency pill. Even if he has not ejaculated, you still stand a chance of pregnancy if the pre-seminal fluid, the clear fluid that comes out before semen, which is rich in young healthy sperms, comes in contact. This regimen is called yuzpe regimen where it is suggested to take four tablets of Yasmin (combination of Ethinyl Estradiol and Drospirenone) at the time, repeat four more tablets after 12 hours. This being a high dose of hormones, it will suddenly increase the inner lining of the uterus. Then as it is a single dose, the inner lining will fall off. This makes it unfavorable for the possible embryo or baby to settle into the uterus. You shall get her periods within 7 to 10 days of the last pill. But do not keep repeating this frequently, it can disturb the hormonal balance and can reduce the effectiveness of the pill. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines after their consent. This is an old method, but it is an effective emergency method. Just do not delay the pills. As time passes by, the effectiveness reduces. Some women who use this method experience mild nausea and maybe even some vomiting. If you throw up within one hour of taking your pills (either the first dose or the second dose), you have got to call your health care provider. There is a chance you could have thrown up the pills which would make this method ineffective. If that happens, you may need another dose and/or some anti-nausea medicine. To help prevent you from feeling nauseous, take your pills with food. It also helps if you time your second pill so that you take it just before bed. That way, you will sleep through nausea. There is also the potential for spotting, breast tenderness, and headaches. This is true with birth control pills in general and it is usually nothing to worry about. That said, if you experience more severe side effects, please call your doctor. It is always better to follow up with a health care professional when you have a reaction that concerns you.