Can emergency contraceptive pills cause pink discharge?

Question

Hello Doctor,

I have been on the pill for years to manage the hormonal imbalance caused by polycystic ovary syndrome/polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PCOS/PMOS). I had sex for the first time in the early hours of the morning. Since I was not at home, I missed my regular birth control pill that morning, but the guy used a condom. Unfortunately, I was told a few hours later that the condom had split on the side.

I went to the pharmacist and took the Postella pill, along with my missed regular birth control pill, as soon as I got home.

About a week later, I developed discharge, redness, and itching, which I suspected was thrush due to the hormonal overload from using both Postella and my regular birth control. I started using Clotrimazole cream. However, I noticed pinkish-yellow discharge. I initially thought this might be due to scratching myself with the applicator, but after last night’s application, the applicator came out clean, and yet the pinkish-yellow discharge persisted this morning.

I have read that this type of discharge can be associated with implantation bleeding, which worries me as I do not wish to be pregnant. I took a home pregnancy test in the morning, and it came back strongly negative. I have read that implantation bleeding can be confirmed by testing again in three to four days, but I am leaving on 24 April and want to resolve this before then.

Could you please advise:

Is it normal to experience pinkish-yellow discharge after using thrush treatment?
Could this discharge indicate implantation bleeding, even after taking the Postella pill and the pregnancy test showing negative?
Is there anything further I can do to ensure I am not pregnant or to prevent a pregnancy?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There is no chance of pregnancy as you have already taken the emergency contraceptive pill (Postella) within 72 hours of intercourse.

Based on your description:

The pinkish discharge is likely due to hormonal changes caused by the pills you have taken and not due to implantation bleeding or any other serious issue.
You do not need to worry or take any additional medications, as the pills will work effectively.

Regarding the white discharge and itching:

If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist for an internal check-up and a vaginal swab test to determine the exact cause.
Avoid sexual intercourse until the issue is resolved.
Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to maintain comfort.
Maintain personal hygiene by washing your private parts with normal tap water after using the restroom.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

It is also common to experience slight variations in your periods due to the hormonal changes from the pills. However, if you miss your period, take a urine pregnancy test using an early morning urine sample to confirm that you are not pregnant. There is no need to repeat the test now. You will likely get your periods as expected, so relax and try not to worry.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Take care.