Emergency Contraception and Menstrual Changes After Use

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy?

On November 11, menstruation started, and it ended on November 16.
On November 19, I took the emergency contraceptive pill, Anliting.
On November 26, I experienced abdominal pain and had some bleeding that started dark in color, with a flow similar to my menstrual period, lasting for six days.
My next period was expected on December 11, but it has not arrived yet.
When can I expect my period? Is there still a chance of pregnancy? Does the bleeding indicate that the contraception was successful? On December 12, I felt some dull pain; does the bleeding that occurred 2-7 days after taking the pill count as my period? The flow was slightly heavier than my usual menstruation and also dark in color, lasting for six days.
Is this an early period? Will I get my period on December 26?

Hu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/14

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation.
The period on November 26 could be your menstrual cycle, and the next period may occur at the end of December.
Just keep an eye on it.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/12/14

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The most common forms of emergency contraception include hormonal pills, such as Levonorgestrel (Plan B) and Ulipristal acetate (Ella), and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). In your case, you mentioned taking a specific emergency contraceptive pill, Anliting, which likely contains a similar active ingredient.

After taking emergency contraception, it is common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. These changes can include alterations in the timing, flow, and duration of the next menstrual period. The hormonal content of emergency contraceptive pills can cause the lining of the uterus to change, which may lead to unexpected bleeding or spotting, often referred to as withdrawal bleeding. This bleeding can occur within a few days to a week after taking the pill and may resemble a light period.

In your situation, you experienced abdominal pain and dark-colored bleeding starting on November 26, which lasted for six days. This bleeding could be a result of the emergency contraception you took, indicating that the medication is working to prevent pregnancy. However, it is essential to note that this bleeding does not guarantee that you are not pregnant. The only way to confirm pregnancy is through a pregnancy test, which can be taken after a missed period.

Regarding your concerns about your menstrual cycle, it is not unusual for the next period to be delayed after taking emergency contraception. Since you expected your period on December 11 and it did not arrive, it could be due to the hormonal changes caused by the emergency contraceptive. The bleeding you experienced after taking the pill may have been an early period or withdrawal bleeding, which can sometimes occur instead of a regular menstrual cycle.

If you are experiencing discomfort or pain, such as the "dull pain" you mentioned on December 12, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms. If the pain persists or worsens, or if you have any concerns about potential pregnancy, it would be prudent to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

As for when your next period will arrive, it can vary significantly from person to person after taking emergency contraception. Some women may experience their next period within a week or two after the expected date, while others may have a longer delay. If you do not have your period by December 26, consider taking a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

In summary, while the bleeding you experienced after taking emergency contraception may indicate that the medication is working, it does not definitively confirm that you are not pregnant. Changes in your menstrual cycle are common after using EC, and the timing of your next period may be affected. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a good idea.

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