Brown Discharge: Causes and Pregnancy Concerns After Emergency Contraception

Brown discharge

On December 31, I had unprotected intercourse, but there was no ejaculation inside.
I took emergency contraception within an hour.
Seven days later, I experienced bleeding that was similar in volume to my menstrual period, lasting about four days.
On January 18, I used a condom, but when the male partner withdrew, the condom slipped off, and semen landed on my thigh (there was no ejaculation inside the vagina, and the condom had not yet fallen off during intercourse).
To be safe, I took emergency contraception again.
Seven days later, I also experienced bleeding similar to my menstrual period, lasting four days.
On January 25 and February 1, I took a pregnancy test using morning urine, and both tests showed one line.
On February 9, I started having a small amount of brown discharge that lasted for about a week.
On February 13, I took another pregnancy test using morning urine, which was negative, and the brown discharge stopped.
However, on February 20, I noticed a little bit of brown discharge again.
I had tested for pregnancy on January 25, February 1, and February 13, all showing one line.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? Could the brown discharge be caused by taking emergency contraception twice within a month?

P, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/02/24

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On December 31, I had unprotected intercourse, but there was no ejaculation inside.
Within an hour, I took emergency contraception.
Seven days later, I experienced bleeding that was similar in volume to my menstrual period, lasting about four days.
On January 18, I used a condom, but when the male partner withdrew to ejaculate, the condom slipped off and semen landed on my thigh (there was no ejaculation inside the vagina, and the condom had not yet fallen off during penetration).
To be cautious, I took emergency contraception again.
Seven days later, I experienced bleeding again, with a volume similar to my menstrual period, lasting four days.
On January 25 and February 1, I took a pregnancy test using morning urine, and both tests showed one line.
Starting February 9, I noticed a small amount of brown discharge that lasted about a week.
On February 13, I took another pregnancy test with morning urine, which was negative, and the brown discharge stopped.
However, on February 20, I noticed a little bit of brown discharge again.
I tested for pregnancy on January 25, February 1, and February 13, all showing one line.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? Answer: It is unlikely that you are pregnant.
Could the brown discharge be caused by taking emergency contraception twice within a month? Answer: Yes.

Reply Date: 2019/02/24

More Info

Understanding brown discharge during pregnancy or after emergency contraception can be a source of anxiety for many individuals. In your case, the timeline and events you've described provide some context for the brown discharge you're experiencing. Let's break down the situation and address your concerns.

First, it's important to understand that brown discharge often indicates old blood that is being expelled from the body. This can happen for various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, implantation bleeding, or even the effects of emergency contraception. Since you mentioned taking emergency contraception twice within a month, it's possible that the hormonal changes induced by these medications could be contributing to the brown discharge.

Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) work primarily by preventing ovulation, but they can also affect the uterine lining and menstrual cycle. After taking ECPs, some women experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including spotting or breakthrough bleeding, which can appear as brown discharge. This is typically not a cause for concern and is often a normal response to the hormonal changes caused by the medication.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of pregnancy, the fact that you have taken multiple pregnancy tests, all of which have returned negative results, is a strong indicator that you are not pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are quite accurate when used correctly, especially when taken after a missed period. The brown discharge you experienced could be related to the hormonal effects of the emergency contraception rather than an indication of pregnancy.

However, if you continue to experience unusual discharge, or if you have any other concerning symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or significant changes in your menstrual cycle, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly an ultrasound, to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, the brown discharge you are experiencing is likely a result of hormonal changes from the emergency contraception rather than a sign of pregnancy. It is common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking ECPs, and brown discharge can be a normal occurrence. However, if you have ongoing concerns or symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step. Remember to keep track of your menstrual cycle and any changes you notice, as this information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in assessing your situation.

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