Can using contraceptives cause irregular bleeding?

Question

Hello doctor,

My girlfriend has taken contraceptives three times. The first time, she experienced vaginal bleeding after taking the pill. The second time, she did not have any bleeding, but the third time, she experienced vaginal bleeding again. Additionally, before taking the pill for the third time, we engaged in a short intercourse session. I am concerned about why she experiences irregular bleeding after taking the contraceptive. Is her hymen ruptured?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq, and thank you for choosing us as your provider for health care.

Hymen ruptures after sex, so I am sure it is gone. The emergency pill is a high dose of progesterone hormone, which is produced in your body in the second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation. This pill suddenly increases the thickness of the inner lining of the uterus, making it unfavorable for a possible pregnancy to implant. As it is a single dose, it does not have the strength to sustain itself, so it sheds off, resulting in a period or bleeding of the increased thickness within seven to ten days. Whether you bleed or not after taking the pill depends on which half of the menstrual cycle it was taken. If taken immediately after periods, the thickness of the uterine lining will be so thin that bleeding may not occur. If taken around or after ovulation, the thickness will be enough to cause bleeding.

Additionally, this pill has the effect of disturbing the hormonal balance in the body, so the inner lining of the uterus will not develop normally. It is not advisable to use this pill regularly as it can cause confusion in your menstrual cycles. Do not use this pill regularly; your periods will be confusing. If sex is going to be regular, it is better to use a birth control pill (a packet of 21 pills). This will regulate hormones and cycles, and also provide a 100 % success rate with regular cycles and no confusion. If sex is not going to be regular, a condom is a better option.

Hope I have clarified your query.

Thank you.