Irregular Periods After Emergency Contraceptive Use - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you.
My last menstrual period started on June 10, and I took emergency contraception (Postinor) on June 24 and July 8.
I experienced bleeding six days after taking the pill.
I was expecting my period on July 10, but it did not come.
I was informed that taking emergency contraception can cause menstrual irregularities, and it may take one or two cycles to return to normal.
However, I had bleeding again on July 25 and August 28.
I purchased an over-the-counter pregnancy test on September 4, which showed negative results.
My usual menstrual cycle is between 28 to 34 days.
Therefore, I would like to ask if the bleeding on July 25 and August 28 could possibly be my period? During this time, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with withdrawal method.
If we assume that August 28 was my period, and I had sexual intercourse on August 27 and September 3, is there a possibility of pregnancy?

miss x, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/09/05

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Pregnancy can occur at any time; it's just a matter of probability.
After taking emergency contraceptive pills multiple times, your menstrual cycle will likely become irregular.
You should compare your most recent period to your previous ones, looking at factors such as the number of days and the amount of flow.
The one that resembles your usual menstruation may be the actual period.
It is advisable to use condoms during sexual intercourse, as they can prevent sexually transmitted infections and will not interfere with your menstrual cycle.
If, after a few days, you feel that it might not be your period, continue to take a pregnancy test!

Reply Date: 2004/09/05

More Info


After using emergency contraception, it is common for women to experience irregular periods. This is primarily due to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), which can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. In your case, you mentioned taking the emergency contraceptive pill on June 24 and July 8, and subsequently experiencing bleeding on July 25 and August 28.
Firstly, it is important to understand that emergency contraceptive pills can cause a variety of side effects, including changes in your menstrual cycle. The bleeding you experienced after taking the ECPs could be a side effect rather than a regular menstrual period. This is often referred to as "withdrawal bleeding," which occurs when the hormones from the ECPs lead to a shedding of the uterine lining. This bleeding can be lighter or heavier than your normal period and may not follow the typical timing of your menstrual cycle.

Regarding your question about whether the bleeding on July 25 and August 28 could be considered your menstrual period, it is possible that one or both of these instances were indeed your period, especially if they occurred approximately a month apart. However, given the hormonal disruption caused by the ECPs, it is also possible that these were simply side effects of the medication.
As for the potential for pregnancy, if you had unprotected intercourse on August 27 and September 3, and if the bleeding on August 28 was indeed a menstrual period, then the likelihood of pregnancy from those encounters would be lower, especially if you were in the early part of your cycle. However, if the August 28 bleeding was not a true period, then there could be a risk of pregnancy, particularly if you were ovulating around that time.

To summarize:
1. The bleeding you experienced after taking emergency contraception may not represent a normal menstrual cycle and could be due to hormonal changes.

2. The bleeding on July 25 and August 28 could potentially be your period, but it is also possible they were withdrawal bleeds from the ECPs.

3. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test if your next expected period does not arrive or if you experience any unusual symptoms.

In terms of managing your menstrual cycle after using emergency contraception, it may take one or two cycles for your periods to return to their regular pattern. If you continue to experience irregularities or have concerns about your menstrual health, it would be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can help assess your situation and provide recommendations for managing your menstrual health moving forward.

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