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Warning-sign checks

Emergency contraception: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek urgent or emergency care for severe or one-sided lower abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, difficulty breathing, or bleeding that rapidly soaks pads or causes weakness.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your healthcare team promptly if:

    • You vomit soon after taking an emergency contraceptive pill
    • Your period is more than one week late
    • A pregnancy test is positive or unclear
    • Pain or bleeding after IUD placement is worsening rather than improving
    • You develop fever, chills or unusual vaginal discharge
    • You cannot feel the IUD threads or think the IUD has come out

    These symptoms need prompt assessment, especially with a positive pregnancy test or an IUD in place.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Emergency contraception. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.