Is It Normal to Bleed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Is it normal to experience bleeding after taking birth control pills? If sexual intercourse occurs during this bleeding, is there a chance of pregnancy?

On July 7, I had my first sexual intercourse, and on July 9, I took emergency contraception (Ella).
After that, I started experiencing slight bleeding four to five days later, and on July 16, I had sexual intercourse again while still bleeding.
Is there a chance of becoming pregnant?

mei mei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/19

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
It is normal to experience light bleeding after taking the emergency contraceptive pill; however, if it lasts longer than 7 days, please seek medical attention.
2.
If sexual intercourse occurred on July 16 and pregnancy cannot be confirmed, you will need to wait to see if your period is delayed to determine if you are pregnant.

Reply Date: 2015/07/19

More Info

Taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B (Levonorgestrel) or Ella (Ulipristal acetate), can lead to various side effects, one of which may include bleeding. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience spotting or light bleeding after taking ECPs. This bleeding can occur due to hormonal changes triggered by the medication, which works primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg.

In your case, since you had your first sexual encounter on July 7 and took the emergency contraceptive pill on July 9, the timing of your actions is crucial. ECPs are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can be effective up to 120 hours after. The fact that you took the pill shortly after your sexual encounter suggests that you acted within the recommended timeframe.

The bleeding you experienced four to five days after taking the ECP could be a side effect of the medication. This bleeding is often referred to as "withdrawal bleeding," which can occur as your body adjusts to the sudden influx of hormones from the pill. It is important to note that this bleeding is not an indication of pregnancy; rather, it is a common response to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive.

Regarding your subsequent sexual encounter on July 16 while still experiencing bleeding, it is essential to consider a few factors. If you were still within the window of time where the ECP was effective (which is typically up to five days after taking the pill), the likelihood of pregnancy from that encounter is reduced. However, if you have unprotected sex after the effectiveness of the ECP has passed, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

If your bleeding continues or if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain or heavy bleeding, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide further evaluation and guidance. Additionally, if your next menstrual period is delayed by more than a week, it would be prudent to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In summary, light bleeding after taking emergency contraceptive pills is generally considered normal and is often a side effect of the medication. However, if you have concerns about your situation or if your symptoms change, seeking medical advice is always a good idea. Remember that while ECPs are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed, and using regular contraceptive methods in the future can help prevent unintended pregnancies.

Similar Q&A

Is It Normal to Bleed a Week After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

It is normal to experience bleeding about a week after taking the emergency contraceptive pill. This bleeding can occur after your menstrual period has ended, as the hormone levels in your body adjust. However, if you have any concerns or if the bleeding is unusually heavy or pro...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors affecting the menstrual cycle or intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, diet, age, and lesions of the uterus or cervix, among others. Additionally, the effects of emergency contraception on menstru...

Is It Normal Not to Bleed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Is it normal not to have bleeding after taking emergency contraception?

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The mechanism of emergency contraception lies in the alteration of progesterone levels in the body (initially rising and then falling), which leads to the shedding of the endometrium, resulting in contraception. The shedding of the endometrium is what causes bleeding. Ther...

Is Bleeding After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills Normal?

My period started on May 7th. I had sexual intercourse on May 14th, but the condom broke. I later bought and took emergency contraception. On May 19th, I noticed bleeding in the morning and then again in the evening. Is it normal to have bleeding after taking emergency contracept...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It is true that there may be light bleeding after taking the emergency contraceptive pill.

Is It Normal to Bleed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

Is it normal to experience bleeding five hours after taking emergency contraception, especially after having unprotected intercourse five hours prior? What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the cause of your bleeding cannot be determined whether it is due to the emergency contraceptive pill or other reasons. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. However, it is still considered a good method of backup. It is...