Emergency Contraception: Is Spotting Normal After Use?

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello, doctor.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on October 28, and after ejaculation, I discovered that the condom had broken.
I took emergency contraception the next day (October 29) around noon, approximately 13 hours later.
October 28 was the second day of my ovulation period, with the expected ovulation date on November 1.
Starting from November 4, I noticed a very small amount of brown discharge.
I would like to know if this is a normal phenomenon, if it could be "withdrawal bleeding," and whether I need to take a pregnancy test.
Thank you for your help!

C, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/05

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should be related to taking the emergency contraceptive pill.
If you want to take a pregnancy test, it is recommended to do so 12 days after the sexual intercourse.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/11/05

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. The most common forms of emergency contraception include hormonal pills, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (ella), which work primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation.
In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on October 28, and you took emergency contraception approximately 13 hours later on October 29. Given that you were in your ovulation window, taking EC was a prudent decision to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Now, regarding the spotting you experienced starting on November 4, it is important to understand that hormonal contraceptives, including emergency contraception, can cause various side effects, one of which may be spotting or breakthrough bleeding. This is often referred to as "withdrawal bleeding" or "spotting," and it can occur as your body responds to the sudden influx of hormones from the emergency contraceptive pill.
Withdrawal bleeding is typically lighter than a regular menstrual period and can vary in color, often appearing brown or dark red, which is normal. This bleeding can occur anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after taking the emergency contraceptive. It is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking EC, including earlier or later periods, as well as variations in flow and duration.

As for whether you should take a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait until at least the first day of your expected period. If your period is delayed by more than a week, taking a pregnancy test would be advisable to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. If you experience any unusual symptoms or if the spotting continues or worsens, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, the spotting you are experiencing after taking emergency contraception is likely a normal response to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. It is important to monitor your menstrual cycle and take a pregnancy test if your period is late. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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