Emergency Contraception and Menstrual Irregularities

Postcoital medication for menstrual irregularities?

I would like to ask if I had sexual intercourse on the day of playing softball on March 15 and took emergency contraception that day.
Then, on March 23, I experienced brown discharge, which lasted for five to six days before returning to normal flow.
I want to know if I could be pregnant and when I should start counting my menstrual cycle.
Should I see a doctor after this?

Jia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/29

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If taken correctly, the chances of becoming pregnant after using emergency contraception are very low, and it is normal to experience bleeding about a week after taking the pill.
Once you take the emergency contraceptive pill, your menstrual cycle may become irregular, so it is not meaningful to calculate from that day onward.

Reply Date: 2020/03/29

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be taken up to 5 days later. The most common types of emergency contraception are hormonal pills, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (ella), and the copper intrauterine device (IUD).

In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse on March 15 and taking emergency contraception on the same day. This is a positive step toward preventing an unintended pregnancy. The brown discharge you experienced starting on March 23 could be a sign of withdrawal bleeding, which is a common side effect of taking emergency contraception. This type of bleeding can occur as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive pill.
Regarding your question about whether you could be pregnant, if you took the emergency contraception correctly and within the recommended time frame, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced. However, no method is 100% effective, so it is essential to monitor your body for any signs of pregnancy, such as missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness.

As for calculating your menstrual cycle, the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) is typically considered the first day of your cycle. If your bleeding on March 23 was indeed a withdrawal bleed, you would count that as the start of your new cycle. However, if you are unsure whether this bleeding was a true menstrual period or a side effect of the emergency contraception, it may be best to wait until your next expected period to see if it arrives on time.

If your next period is late (more than a week), it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and help you understand your reproductive health better.

In summary, taking emergency contraception shortly after unprotected intercourse significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. The brown discharge you experienced may be a normal response to the hormonal changes from the emergency contraceptive. Keep track of your menstrual cycle, and if your period is late or if you have any concerns, consider seeing a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

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