HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologycontraceptive pillI took an I pill after sex and had bleeding. Why?

Do emergency contraception pills cause bleeding?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Reetika

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At July 30, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had intercourse with my spouse a few days ago. The next day, I took an I-pill and started bleeding the day after taking it. But the bleeding was not heavy. It is not even visible on my panty line. We are not planning on having a child, so I am concerned. My menstruation is due this month. Please tell me if it is a period or spotting? I am worried as I am not planning for a child.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The emergency contraceptive pills are hormone-based and work in three stages to prevent unplanned pregnancy. First, they delay the release of an egg from the ovary. Second, if the egg was already released before taking the dose, they prevent fertilization of the egg by thickening the fluid around it. Finally, if the egg is fertilized before taking the pill, it prevents implantation in the uterus by making the uterus lining unsuitable for implantation. So when the emergency contraceptive pill is taken within 24-72 hours of unprotected intercourse, it effectively prevents unplanned pregnancy. Since you took your medicine on time, there is nothing to worry about. Some women experience light bleeding after the dose, which is expected because these pills are hormone-based and have side effects. Furthermore, since you started bleeding, there is nothing to worry about because implantation bleeding does not begin so early.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Should I wait for my cycles and ignore this as a period? Should I take a test? Could you prescribe a medication to induce menstruation immediately because a function is happening at my place?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I would suggest you wait for your period as this bleeding has occurred as a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill. No medicine is recommended at this stage to induce periods as it may lead to hormonal imbalance as you just took an emergency contraceptive pill. Do not worry. You are unlikely to experience heavy bleeding anytime soon.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have not got my periods yet. It has also passed its due date. I am worried, please suggest to me some medicine?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As previously stated, the medicine's negative effect may cause periods to be delayed. Furthermore, there is no need to be upset because medications are available. Still, they are not recommended to be taken at this time because you have already taken one pill. In addition, more medicines you take will result in more excess hormones being pumped into your blood, which is not required at this stage, and you have had regular cycles, and such excess hormones will only further disrupt your processes. Still, if you genuinely believe you should take excess hormones to induce periods, please let me know. I think you are also worried about pregnancy, so this weekend you may check by getting a blood HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for your concern.

I am anxious about my pregnancy. I wanted to get my periods early because, as previously stated, there is a function at my house this week. My spouse and I have to attend it.

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Even if I tell you that medications take around five days to induce periods, I cannot guarantee the accuracy because you have already taken an I-pill. I appreciate your concern and sensitivity, but the best course of action is to wait in this circumstance. Taking any additional medication would only complicate the situation. Otherwise, I may have put you on tablet Deviry (Medroxyprogesterone) 10 mg.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have not gotten my period yet and have not seen any signs of it. Please tell me if there is any medicine that might induce a period. I am concerned about the pregnancy because we are not ready for a baby yet.

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There is no need to be anxious because you are likely not pregnant because you have been bleeding since last week. However, I suggest you take a urine pregnancy test at home tomorrow to relieve your tension. For reliable results, perform the test with the first urine of the day. Do not drink plenty of water before the test. Follow all the instructions given on the package of the pregnancy test kit. After testing, take a picture of the kit because the color changes fast and might be confusing. If the test is negative, there is no need to take any pills, and the bleeding after this week may be considered menstruation. Please let me know by tomorrow so we can decide whether or not to take medicine. Excess hormone use will unnecessarily complicate the situation.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Today, again, I noticed some mild bleeding but no pain. I typically have pain throughout my periods. Why is this happening? Please prescribe me some medication since I do not want to become pregnant.

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You had intercourse a week before and then took a pill, so do not worry. You should take a pregnancy test tomorrow morning. Do not drink too much fluid before the test. You may also get a blood HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test done. You have already taken an i-pill; stressing about it will affect your monthly pattern. Even after you have performed the test, please provide the test results for my evaluation.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I took the test, and it came out negative. Can you tell me when I will get my periods and how long they will be delayed?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If your urine pregnancy test results are negative, you can begin taking Progesterone for period withdrawal. Take tablet Deviry (Medroxyprogesterone) 10 mg once daily for five days. Check for withdrawal symptoms one week after the last dosage of the medicine.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Is it correct that I will have to stop taking the medication after the fifth day? And I might observe withdrawal bleeding and get my periods after that? Can I start taking the medication tomorrow?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

This withdrawal bleeding is your menstruation only. You can start taking medicines from tomorrow.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have been taking the tablet Deviry (Medroxyprogesterone) for five days. But there has been no sign of my periods. Since last week, I have also been taking antibiotics for my urine infection. So when can I expect my periods?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If the urine pregnancy test was negative and there was no withdrawal bleeding with Progesterone, we need to examine the uterine lining. An ultrasound scan should be done to evaluate the uterine lining and any ovarian cysts.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Sonography has been done for the abdomen and pelvis recently. Please suggest the tests to be done. I am concerned about my periods.

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Extremely sorry to tell you that no endometrium thickness is written in your report. If it is less than 5 mm, there is no possibility of pregnancy. Feel free to ask any questions or to share any additional information.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

What does that mean? Should I do the test again?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, even though there is no chance of pregnancy, you may perform a test to relieve stress. Please do not be concerned.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I am worried about when I will get my periods.

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It is difficult to say because the endometrial thickness is not mentioned in the scan. You have another two weeks. However, avoid unprotected intercourse during that time.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I did a urine test, which was negative. But, still, I did not get my periods. Can you suggest some other ways to induce my mensturation?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

In your case, the progesterone pill did not cause bleeding. That implies that the endometrial lining was not thick enough to cause bleeding. So next, you can start oral contraceptive pills, which have estrogen and progesterone, for 21 days, after which your period will begin.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Could you please mention the name of the medicine? How and when should I start taking it? What will be the side effects? And after 21 days, when will I start getting my periods if I stop taking the pill?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You can use Femilon (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol), a low-dose contraceptive pill, one pill every day simultaneously. However, avoid taking pills if you have a history of high blood pressure, liver disease, or migraines. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are possible side effects. Periods will start within two to three days of stopping the pills. In case of side effects, it is best to consult a local gynecologist.

Patient's Query

Hi Yesterday I had unprotected sex and Today I got my periods which were supposed to be due on 18 coming week Still should I take a pill
Answered by Dr. Reetika
Hello Ruchika Good afternoon how's your period flow? is it same as usual period ? do you have any history of irregular period in your last 3 periods any reason you see for early onset of periods pls share the details for helping me to give you correct advise whether to take pill or otherwise pls awaiting details pls feel free to ask any questions or to share any additional information God bless Dr Reetika Joshi

Patient's Query

Flow is not heavy but I have periods cramps nd stomach pain Last month my periods were late as I was detected with urine infection 18th I was expecting my dates but I got it today only nd from last week I was feeling heavy chest nd chills which o normally get before periods start
Answered by Dr. Reetika
Thanks for the update and details pls take the emergency contraceptive pill (single tablet) to avoid the risk altogether as your last period was late and this time it's likely early don't worry I am always there for you God bless Dr Reetika Joshi

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Reetika
Dr. Reetika

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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