Is It Normal Not to Bleed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Is it normal not to have any bleeding after taking postcoital contraception?

Hello, on August 19, during my girlfriend's fertile period, I gave her an emergency contraceptive pill called Postinor (one pink tablet).
Since it was her first time taking it, she took it within one hour after the incident.
However, as of today, August 23, she has not experienced any bleeding or discomfort.
I would like to know if this is normal or if it could be a sign of pregnancy.
I am also concerned about the possibility of having purchased a counterfeit medication.
If we want to confirm whether she is pregnant, when should we take a test? What symptoms might indicate pregnancy? Her menstrual cycle is 30 days, with her last period starting on August 1.
Thank you!

Mr. He, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/23

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills should be taken within 48 hours.
A pregnancy test should be done at least 12 days after conception to yield accurate results.
Currently, it is advisable to monitor the situation.
It is best to use preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than one week late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/08/23

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as the one your girlfriend took (commonly known as Plan B or Postinor), it is important to understand how they work and what to expect after taking them.
Firstly, it is completely normal for a woman not to experience bleeding after taking emergency contraception. The primary function of ECPs is to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can work up to 5 days after. However, the absence of bleeding does not necessarily indicate that the pill did not work or that your girlfriend is pregnant.

After taking ECPs, some women may experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, or changes in their menstrual cycle, including spotting or an early or delayed period. It is important to note that the timing of her next period can be affected by the hormonal changes induced by the pill. If her menstrual cycle is typically 30 days and she took the pill shortly after her expected ovulation, it is possible that her period may be delayed or altered.
If your girlfriend does not get her period within a week of when it is expected, it is advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test to check for pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy.
Regarding your concern about the authenticity of the medication, it is always best to purchase medications from reputable pharmacies or healthcare providers. If there is any doubt about the medication's legitimacy, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional for guidance.

In summary, the absence of bleeding after taking emergency contraception is not uncommon and does not automatically indicate pregnancy. Monitoring her menstrual cycle and taking a pregnancy test if her period is late will provide clarity. If there are any additional concerns or symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

Similar Q&A

Is It Normal Not to Bleed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Is it normal not to have bleeding after taking emergency contraception?

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The mechanism of emergency contraception lies in the alteration of progesterone levels in the body (initially rising and then falling), which leads to the shedding of the endometrium, resulting in contraception. The shedding of the endometrium is what causes bleeding. Ther...

Is It Normal to Bleed a Week After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

It is normal to experience bleeding about a week after taking the emergency contraceptive pill. This bleeding can occur after your menstrual period has ended, as the hormone levels in your body adjust. However, if you have any concerns or if the bleeding is unusually heavy or pro...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors affecting the menstrual cycle or intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, diet, age, and lesions of the uterus or cervix, among others. Additionally, the effects of emergency contraception on menstru...

Is It Normal to Bleed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

On July 7, I had my first sexual intercourse, and on July 9, I took emergency contraception (Ella). After that, I started experiencing slight bleeding four to five days later, and on July 16, I had sexual intercourse again while still bleeding. Is there a chance of becoming pregn...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. It is normal to experience light bleeding after taking the emergency contraceptive pill; however, if it lasts longer than 7 days, please seek medical attention. 2. If sexual intercourse occurred on July 16 and pregnancy cannot be confirmed, you will need to wait to see if your...

Is It Normal Not to Bleed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

Hello, doctor. My girlfriend and I had intimate relations on May 18 at 11 AM. She took the emergency contraceptive pill, Ella (ulipristal acetate), on May 19 at around 4 PM. However, she has not experienced any bleeding in the past few days. After taking the pill, she experienced...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On May 18th at 11 AM, I had intimate relations with my girlfriend. She took the emergency contraceptive pill, Ella (ulipristal acetate), on May 19th around 4 PM, but she hasn't experienced any bleeding in the past few days. After taking the pill, she had nausea, vomiting, an...