Emergency Contraceptive Pills and Irregular Bleeding After Use

Emergency contraceptive pill

On April 14, there was unprotected intercourse, and emergency contraception was taken within 24 hours.
There has been bleeding since April 20, but the last menstrual period was on April 4.
Previous menstrual cycles have been regular, typically ranging from 30 to 32 days.
Is this normal?

Aqi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/20

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For such issues, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Health e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation Guide for Adolescent Contraception" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.
After taking emergency contraception, it is possible to experience light bleeding within a week.
If bleeding persists for more than a week, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2016/04/20

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be taken up to 120 hours later. The most common types of ECPs contain either levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate.
When you take ECPs, they can cause various side effects, one of which is irregular bleeding. This bleeding can manifest as spotting or a heavier-than-normal period, and it may occur shortly after taking the pill. In your case, since you had unprotected intercourse on April 14 and took the emergency contraceptive within 24 hours, the bleeding you experienced starting on April 20 could be a side effect of the medication.
It is important to note that ECPs can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle. They may cause your next period to arrive earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual. Given that your previous menstrual cycles were regular, ranging from 30 to 32 days, the irregular bleeding following the use of ECPs is not uncommon and can be considered a normal reaction to the hormonal changes induced by the pills.

However, if the bleeding is excessively heavy (soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours), or if you experience severe pain, dizziness, or any other concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as an ectopic pregnancy or complications related to the use of ECPs.

Additionally, if your next period is more than a week late, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. ECPs are not 100% effective, and while they significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy, they do not eliminate it entirely.

In summary, the irregular bleeding you are experiencing after taking emergency contraceptive pills is likely a side effect of the medication and can be considered normal. However, keep an eye on the severity and duration of the bleeding, and do not hesitate to consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is also recommended to ensure your reproductive health is monitored and managed appropriately.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effects on Bleeding and Menstrual Cycle

Can taking emergency contraceptive pills cause abnormal bleeding? If so, how much bleeding can be expected, and will emergency contraceptive pills cause menstrual irregularities? Thank you.

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emergency contraceptive pills generally cause bleeding within a week after taking them. If bleeding occurs, the date of the next menstrual period may be altered.

Understanding Post-Pill Bleeding After Taking Emergency Contraceptives

If I took the emergency contraceptive pill two hours after sexual intercourse and experienced bleeding a few days later, followed by another episode of bleeding after that, both of which were similar in timing and amount to my usual menstrual period, is there a connection?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation; just monitor the situation. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Post-Coital Contraception and Irregular Bleeding

If a condom broke during intercourse and the emergency contraceptive pill was taken 8 hours later, it's possible that the bleeding experienced a month later could be due to several factors. The bleeding might be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive, which can cause c...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
There was a condom failure during intercourse, and the emergency contraceptive pill was taken 8 hours later. A month later, there was bleeding similar to a menstrual period that lasted about 10 days. The following month, menstruation was delayed, and a pregnancy test showed two l...

Understanding Blood Clots During Menstrual Cycle After Emergency Contraception

Hello, after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, I experienced bleeding on the third day that felt similar to a menstrual period. However, tonight the bleeding included blood clots (about the size of a thumb). Is this a normal occurrence? Thank you.

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Emergency contraceptive pills contain a high amount of progestin (or estrogen), which can potentially disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance. When hormones are unstable, menstruation may also become irregular. 2. Therefore, your menstrual cycle has become irregular...