Menstrual Irregularities After Emergency Contraception

Menstrual cycle?

The last menstrual period was on January 27, and emergency contraception was taken on February 12.
Symptoms resembling menstruation occurred on February 17.
Is this considered normal? When can the next period be expected?

JW, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/17

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation.
If you had a menstrual-like bleeding on February 17, your next period could be around March 17.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/02/17

More Info

Menstrual irregularities after taking emergency contraception (EC) are quite common and can be attributed to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period started on January 27, and you took emergency contraception on February 12. Following this, you experienced symptoms resembling menstruation on February 17. This could be considered a withdrawal bleed, which is a common response after taking EC. It is important to note that this bleeding may not resemble your typical menstrual period in terms of flow or duration, and it can occur earlier or later than expected.

As for when to expect your next period, it can be unpredictable after taking emergency contraception. Generally, your next menstrual cycle may be delayed by a few days to a couple of weeks. If your menstrual cycle is usually regular, you might expect your next period to arrive around the time it typically would, but it could also be earlier or later due to the hormonal effects of the EC.
If your next period does not arrive within three weeks of when you expect it, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. Additionally, if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or if irregularities persist, consulting a healthcare provider would be beneficial. They can provide personalized advice and determine if further evaluation is necessary.

In summary, experiencing menstrual irregularities after taking emergency contraception is normal. The symptoms you experienced on February 17 could be a response to the hormonal changes from the EC. Your next period may vary in timing, and if it does not occur as expected, consider taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare professional for further guidance.

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