Post-Coital Contraception and Irregular Bleeding

Eating after pregnancy?

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 changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular bleeding or spotting.

The delay in the next menstrual period and the positive pregnancy test (two lines) suggest that pregnancy may have occurred despite the use of emergency contraception.
The initial bleeding could have been implantation bleeding, which can happen when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, or it could be a side effect of the hormonal changes caused by the emergency contraceptive.
It's important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and to discuss the symptoms and test results.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/29

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 lines.
What could be the reason for this? Was the bleeding not a menstrual period? Answer: Test for pregnancy again.

Reply Date: 2017/11/29

More Info

Post-coital contraception, commonly known as emergency contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. In your case, it appears that you had a condom failure and took emergency contraception (EC) within 8 hours, which is a timely response. However, the subsequent irregular bleeding and positive pregnancy test raise important questions about what might be happening.

Firstly, the bleeding you experienced about a month after taking the emergency contraception could be attributed to several factors. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) contain hormones that can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle. This disruption can lead to what is known as "withdrawal bleeding," which may resemble a menstrual period but is not the same. Withdrawal bleeding occurs when the hormone levels drop after taking the ECP, and it can vary in timing, duration, and intensity from your regular menstrual cycle.

The fact that this bleeding lasted for about 10 days is also significant. While some women may experience shorter or lighter bleeding after taking ECPs, prolonged bleeding can occur as a side effect. It’s important to note that the hormonal changes induced by ECPs can lead to irregular cycles, and this might explain why your next period was delayed.

Regarding the positive pregnancy test, it is crucial to understand that emergency contraception is not 100% effective. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait to take them after unprotected intercourse, but they can still reduce the risk of pregnancy significantly. If you took the ECP within 8 hours, you had a good chance of preventing pregnancy, but it is still possible to conceive, especially if ovulation had already occurred before the condom broke.

If you are experiencing a positive pregnancy test after taking emergency contraception, it is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider. They can perform a more sensitive pregnancy test and possibly an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and assess its viability. Additionally, they can help you understand the implications of your situation, including options available to you if you are indeed pregnant.

In summary, the bleeding you experienced could be a side effect of the emergency contraception, while the positive pregnancy test indicates that pregnancy may have occurred despite taking the ECP. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide you with the necessary support and information regarding your reproductive health and any next steps you may need to consider.

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