Could I Be Pregnant? Post-Pill Bleeding and Symptoms

Is it possible to be pregnant?

On October 27, I got my period, and on November 5, I took emergency contraception.
Seven days later, I experienced withdrawal bleeding that lasted for three days, with a moderate amount of bright red blood and some clots.
On November 17, I took emergency contraception again, and on November 23, I started bleeding.
Can this bleeding on November 23 be considered my period? The blood flow was heavier on November 23, but by November 24, there was only a little blood on the pad, essentially just one day of normal flow, and later wiping showed pink discharge.
Is this normal, or could it be due to the emergency contraception affecting my hormones? I also took a pregnancy test today, which was negative.
Additionally, when wiping my vaginal area, I felt a pain similar to a skin tear; could this be due to friction from sexual intercourse?

yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/24

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
On October 27, I got my period, and on November 5, I took emergency contraception.
Seven days later, I experienced withdrawal bleeding (lasting three days with a moderate amount of bright red blood and some clots).
On November 17, I took emergency contraception again, and on November 23, I started bleeding.
Can this bleeding be considered my period? Answer: Yes, it can be considered your period.
2.
The bleeding on November 23 was heavier, but by November 24, there was very little blood on the pad, essentially only one day of normal bleeding, and later wiping showed pink blood.
Is this normal? Answer: Yes, it is normal.
3.
Is the hormonal imbalance due to taking emergency contraception? Answer: Yes, it is due to taking emergency contraception.
4.
I also took a pregnancy test today, and it was negative.
Additionally, when wiping the vaginal area, I felt a pain similar to a skin tear.
Could this be due to friction from sexual intercourse? Answer: Yes, it is likely due to friction from sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2017/11/24

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it's important to understand how these medications work and the effects they can have on your menstrual cycle. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, and they can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including withdrawal bleeding, which may be confused with a regular period.

Based on your timeline, you experienced withdrawal bleeding after taking the emergency contraceptive pill on November 5, which lasted for three days. This is a common side effect of ECPs, as they can cause hormonal fluctuations that lead to bleeding. The bleeding you experienced on November 23, which was heavier initially and then lighter, could also be a result of the hormonal changes induced by the ECPs. It is not uncommon for ECPs to cause irregular bleeding patterns, including lighter or shorter periods than usual.

Regarding your concern about whether the November 23 bleeding can be considered a menstrual period, it is possible that it is a period, especially since you mentioned it was heavier initially. However, the irregularity in timing and flow could also indicate that your cycle is still adjusting after taking the emergency contraceptive. The fact that you took ECPs twice within a short period can further contribute to this irregularity.

The negative pregnancy test you took is also an important factor. Most home pregnancy tests are quite accurate when taken after a missed period, but since you have been experiencing unusual bleeding, it may be beneficial to wait a few days and retest if your period does not arrive as expected. If you continue to have symptoms such as pain during wiping, it could be due to irritation or minor trauma from sexual activity rather than an indication of pregnancy.

If you are experiencing persistent pain or any other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a pelvic exam, to rule out any potential issues such as infections or other complications. Additionally, if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or the effects of emergency contraception, discussing these with a healthcare professional can provide clarity and guidance.

In summary, while it is possible that you could be experiencing a normal reaction to emergency contraception, the irregular bleeding and negative pregnancy test suggest that you are likely not pregnant at this time. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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