Can Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

Q: Can Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

Hello： When experiencing a delayed menstrual period, the first consideration should be whether there is a possibility of pregnancy. <br>The common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills include abnormal uterine bleeding and menstrual irregularities. <br>Since you take the

If you experience menstrual cramps half a month after taking birth control pills, is it still possible to get pregnant?

Hello Doctor: I had my period on October 15 and again on November 16, with each period lasting seven days.
On November 21, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend and took an emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) within an hour.
Five days later, I noticed brown discharge.
On November 29, I had intercourse again without protection and he ejaculated inside me; I took another emergency contraceptive pill within an hour and also drank a bottle of a brown liquid that the pharmacist said was for replenishing blood.
Shortly after, I had a few sips of coffee, but on the seventh day, I experienced more brown discharge.
My period usually starts on the 15th, and now it’s the 19th and it hasn’t arrived yet, although I’ve been experiencing menstrual cramps similar to those I get before my period.
Am I experiencing menstrual irregularities due to taking emergency contraception twice within a month? What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

NINI, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/19

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: When experiencing a delayed menstrual period, the first consideration should be whether there is a possibility of pregnancy.
The common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills include abnormal uterine bleeding and menstrual irregularities.
Since you take the medication within an hour after intercourse, the success rate should be over 95%.
Therefore, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test first.
If the test is negative, you may need treatment to induce menstruation or regulate your menstrual cycle.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2015/12/19

More Info

Taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as the "morning-after pill," can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. ECPs contain hormones that can disrupt your normal hormonal balance, leading to changes in your menstrual cycle. Here’s a detailed explanation of how ECPs can influence your cycle and what you might expect after taking them.

How ECPs Affect the Menstrual Cycle
1. Hormonal Changes: ECPs typically contain either levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, both of which are hormones that can delay ovulation, alter the movement of sperm, and change the lining of the uterus. These hormonal changes can lead to variations in your menstrual cycle, including changes in timing, flow, and symptoms.

2. Timing of Menstrual Cycle: After taking ECPs, some women may experience their next period earlier or later than expected. In your case, since you took ECPs on November 21 and again on November 29, it is possible that these doses have delayed your menstrual cycle, which is why you have not yet seen your period as expected.

3. Spotting and Irregular Bleeding: It is common to experience spotting or irregular bleeding after taking ECPs. The brown discharge you mentioned could be a form of spotting, which is not unusual after taking these hormones. This can happen as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes induced by the ECPs.

4. Menstrual Symptoms: The cramps you are experiencing could also be related to the hormonal fluctuations caused by the ECPs. Many women report experiencing menstrual-like symptoms after taking ECPs, even if their period is delayed.

Pregnancy Risk
Regarding the risk of pregnancy, ECPs are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Since you took the ECPs within an hour after intercourse, the likelihood of preventing pregnancy is relatively high. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy.

Recommendations
1. Wait for Your Period: It is advisable to wait for your period to see if it arrives. If your period is more than a week late, consider taking a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you continue to experience irregular bleeding, significant changes in your menstrual cycle, or if you have concerns about your symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and check for any underlying issues.

3. Future Contraceptive Use: If you find that taking ECPs is causing significant disruption to your cycle, you might want to discuss with your healthcare provider about more regular forms of contraception that could better suit your needs and help prevent unintended pregnancies without the hormonal fluctuations associated with ECPs.

In summary, taking emergency contraceptive pills can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, including delayed periods and irregular bleeding. While the risk of pregnancy is reduced when ECPs are taken promptly, it is still advisable to monitor your cycle and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Similar Q&A

Do Emergency Contraceptive Pills Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

Doctor, I would like to ask, I previously took emergency contraceptive pills, but my menstrual period has been coming about half a month early. I am wondering if this is due to the contraceptive pills or if there is another issue with my body.

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Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of progestin, which can affect menstrual cycles due to the medication. If you have any other concerns, please consult a healthcare provider in person.

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Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can taking emergency contraceptive pills cause abnormal bleeding? If so, how much bleeding can be expected, and will emergency contraceptive pills cause menstrual irregularities? Thank you.

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Emergency Contraception: Pregnancy Risk and Menstrual Cycle Concerns

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation, so they should not be relied upon based on general calculations. Additionally, the effectiveness of contraceptive pills may be lower. It is recommended to use preemptive contraception whenever possib...