Could I Be Pregnant? Menstrual Changes After Emergency Contraception

Can I get pregnant?

Last month, I took emergency contraception at the beginning of the month.
My period came in the middle of the month and lasted for seven days.
About three days later, I had my second period at the end of the month, which also lasted for seven days.
The day after my period ended, I had sexual intercourse without ejaculation and without a condom.
Later, I noticed a little bit of bleeding and I'm unsure if it's leftover from my period or something else.
Will my period this month be delayed because of the medication? Should I calculate the dates based on the first or the second period? Recently, I've been experiencing bloating, some phlegm, a sore throat, and my nipples have been discharging a little bit of white fluid.
Additionally, my vaginal discharge has increased, but I don't have noticeable breast engorgement.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant, or is my period approaching?

En, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Last month, I took emergency contraception at the beginning of the month.
My period came in the middle of the month and lasted for seven days.
Three days later, I had my second period at the end of the month, which also lasted for seven days.
The day after my period ended, I had sexual intercourse without ejaculation and without a condom.
Later that day, I noticed a little bit of bleeding.

1.
I'm not sure if it's because my period hasn't finished.
Answer: It is likely that your period hasn't finished.

2.
Will my period be delayed this month due to taking the medication? Answer: What medication are you referring to?
3.
If I want to calculate the dates, should I start from the first period or the second? Answer: An ultrasound is needed to determine this.

4.
Recently, I've been experiencing bloating, some phlegm, a sore throat, and a little white discharge from my nipples.
My vaginal discharge has increased, but I don't have noticeable breast swelling.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy, or is my period coming soon? Answer: If your period doesn't arrive by the end of the month, you should take a pregnancy test.

Reply Date: 2017/05/19

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception, it’s important to understand how these medications can affect your menstrual cycle and what symptoms might indicate pregnancy. Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, and they can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle.

From your description, it appears that you took emergency contraception at the beginning of last month, and you experienced two menstrual periods within a short span of time. This is not uncommon after taking ECPs, as they can disrupt the normal hormonal balance in your body. The first period you experienced after taking the pill may have been a withdrawal bleed, which can occur due to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. The subsequent bleeding you experienced could also be a result of these hormonal fluctuations.

Regarding your question about whether your period will be delayed this month due to the medication, it’s possible. ECPs can cause your next period to come earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual. If you are trying to track your menstrual cycle, it’s best to use the first day of your last normal period (before taking the ECP) as your reference point, rather than the second period that followed.

The symptoms you mentioned—such as bloating, increased vaginal discharge, and slight breast changes—can be indicative of hormonal changes, which may or may not be related to pregnancy. While some women experience these symptoms in early pregnancy, they can also occur due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or as a side effect of hormonal fluctuations from the ECP. The presence of white discharge and breast tenderness can be common in both scenarios.

To determine if you might be pregnant, consider the following steps:
1. Timing of Pregnancy Tests: If you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s advisable to wait until at least the first day of your expected period to take a home pregnancy test for the most accurate result. Testing too early can lead to false negatives.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience. Common early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness. However, these symptoms can also be associated with your menstrual cycle or hormonal changes.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms persist or if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and may recommend a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than a urine test.

4. Understanding Your Cycle: If you are trying to conceive, understanding your menstrual cycle is crucial. Tracking ovulation can help you identify your fertile window. If your cycles are irregular or if you have concerns about fertility, seeking advice from a healthcare provider can be beneficial.

In summary, while it is possible to experience changes in your menstrual cycle after taking emergency contraception, these changes do not necessarily indicate pregnancy. Monitoring your symptoms and consulting with a healthcare provider will provide clarity and help you make informed decisions regarding your reproductive health.

Similar Q&A

Post-Pill Bleeding: Understanding Your Menstrual Changes After Emergency Contraception

If you took emergency contraception (Ella) within 54 hours after intercourse and your period started on Monday after taking it on Saturday, but the flow was lighter than usual and lasted only 4 days, it is unlikely that you are pregnant. Emergency contraception can cause changes ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 80%. It is best to use preventive measures beforehand. If your normal period is more than one week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. W...

Could I Be Pregnant? Understanding Post-Pill Effects and Menstrual Changes

Hello doctor, I took an emergency contraceptive pill on January 2nd after having unprotected intercourse (no condom and no ejaculation). My menstrual cycle was normal. After having intercourse again on March 19th, I took another emergency contraceptive pill within two hours (agai...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if there is no sexual intercourse after April 11, you should not be pregnant. Wait another week, and if there is still no change, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Emergency Contraception: Signs of Pregnancy After Use

Hello, I took emergency contraception on February 12, had my period on February 17, took it again on March 15, and now I haven't had my period. Could I be pregnant?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. It is best to take preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Emergency Contraception and Menstrual Cycle Changes

If your period started on April 1 and ended on April 5, and you had unprotected intercourse on April 6 followed by taking emergency contraception within four hours, the bleeding you experienced on April 11, which resembled a menstrual period but was heavier, could be a side effec...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. For your next period, you should consider May 11 as the reference date. If your period does not arrive within a week after it is due, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good healt...