Is Emergency Contraceptive Causing Irregular Bleeding?

Can emergency contraceptive pills cause irregular menstruation?

Hello, I would like to inquire because I had my menstrual period on February 16, had sexual intercourse on February 25, and took emergency contraception on February 27.
On March 4, I noticed brown discharge that lasted for several days, along with some red blood.
When I go to the bathroom, I experience bright red bleeding, but as of today, March 7, there has been no more bleeding.
The amount this time is less than my previous menstrual period.
Should I take a pregnancy test, or is this bleeding just a side effect of the emergency contraception? In the past, I did not experience bleeding while taking birth control pills, but I am not sure if my body has changed over the years, as I have been experiencing bleeding most of the time now.

Chung, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation.
It's advisable to monitor if it improves in the following month.
It's best to use preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/03/08

More Info

Irregular bleeding after taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) is a common concern among many women. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced some unusual bleeding after taking the emergency contraceptive pill on February 27, following unprotected intercourse on February 25. The bleeding you observed, which included brown and red blood, could be attributed to several factors, including the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, work primarily by delaying ovulation. They can also alter the uterine lining, which may lead to changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. It is not uncommon for women to experience spotting or irregular bleeding after taking ECPs. This bleeding can vary in color and consistency, often appearing brown (indicating older blood) or red (indicating fresh blood). The bleeding may last for a few days to a week and can be lighter than a regular menstrual period.

In your case, the timing of the bleeding (starting on March 4, a few days after taking the ECP) suggests that it could be a side effect of the medication rather than a sign of pregnancy. However, it is essential to consider that ECPs are not 100% effective, and there is still a possibility of pregnancy if ovulation occurred before taking the pill. Since you mentioned that the bleeding stopped by March 7 and was lighter than your usual menstrual flow, it is likely that this is a response to the hormonal changes from the emergency contraceptive.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. Most tests are reliable if taken at least one week after the expected date of your next period. If the test is negative and you continue to experience irregular bleeding or other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Additionally, you mentioned that you have previously taken contraceptive pills without experiencing irregular bleeding. Changes in your body, such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, changes in weight, or lifestyle factors, can influence how your body responds to hormonal contraceptives over time. If you find that irregular bleeding persists or becomes a recurring issue, discussing alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider may be beneficial.

In summary, the irregular bleeding you experienced after taking emergency contraception is likely a side effect of the hormonal changes induced by the pill. However, if you have any doubts about the possibility of pregnancy or if the bleeding continues, taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare professional would be prudent steps to take.

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.

Does Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills Always Cause Bleeding?

Hello doctor, will there definitely be bleeding after taking the emergency contraceptive pill? Does not having any bleeding mean it was ineffective?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation, and it does not necessarily result in bleeding. The presence or absence of bleeding is not related to the effectiveness of the medication. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Irregular Bleeding After Emergency Contraceptive Use

I started my period on August 30 and it ended on September 4. I had intercourse on September 7 at 11 PM and took emergency contraception on September 8. On September 20, I experienced spotting, and on September 21, I had an ultrasound examination which showed no pregnancy and no ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. Please monitor your condition next month to see if it improves. If you still experience discomfort, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

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...