Post-Coital Symptoms: Is It Normal to Experience Dizziness and Bleeding? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Last Sunday, after having sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, he bought me the emergency contraceptive pill to take.
However, yesterday I felt dizzy and nauseous, and normally the side effects should have subsided by now! Why is this still happening? Then today, when I got up to use the bathroom, I noticed some bleeding while wiping.
What does this mean? Am I pregnant?

Xiao Min, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/07/04

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello! 1.
Dizziness and nausea may be side effects of medication or signs that menstruation is approaching.
If the symptoms are not severe, treatment may not be necessary.
2.
If you notice blood when using the restroom, it could be a side effect of the post-coital contraceptive pill, which may cause the endometrium to shed prematurely, potentially leading to irregular menstruation.
If the bleeding lasts too long or is excessive, please consult a gynecologist; otherwise, monitoring is sufficient.
3.
If you are taking genuine post-coital contraceptive pills, the chance of pregnancy is very low, but it is not absolutely impossible.
Best wishes for your health from Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2003/07/04

More Info


Experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and bleeding after sexual intercourse can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential causes and implications of these symptoms.
Firstly, let's address the dizziness you mentioned. Dizziness after sexual activity can occur for several reasons. It might be related to physical exertion, changes in blood pressure, or even anxiety. If you recently took emergency contraception (like Plan B), it's also worth noting that hormonal fluctuations can lead to side effects such as nausea and dizziness. These side effects can sometimes persist for a short period after taking the medication, even if the primary effects are expected to resolve quickly.
Regarding the bleeding you experienced, this can have multiple explanations. Light spotting or bleeding after intercourse can be normal, especially if it occurs around the time of your menstrual cycle. It could be due to cervical irritation, especially if there was vigorous activity. However, if the bleeding is heavier or accompanied by pain, it could indicate a more serious issue, such as an infection, hormonal imbalance, or even a miscarriage if you were pregnant.
As for your concern about pregnancy, if you took emergency contraception as directed and it was within the appropriate time frame after unprotected intercourse, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, no method of contraception is 100% effective, and if you have concerns about potential pregnancy, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while dizziness and light bleeding can be common after sexual activity, especially following hormonal changes from emergency contraception, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If the dizziness persists, if the bleeding becomes heavier, or if you experience any additional concerning symptoms (such as severe pain or fever), you should seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging or laboratory tests, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment or reassurance.
It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, especially after experiencing unusual symptoms following sexual activity.

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