How withdrawal bleeding differ from implantation bleeding?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 19 year old female. I had my menses two months ago. I then had unprotected sex with my fiance when I was in my fertile period. I took an I-pill within four hours. The next day we again had unprotected sex and he came inside me. This was about 12 hours after having the first I-pill. After that, 60 hours later I again had an I-pill. Then 12 days ago, I started bleeding. And, it was lighter than the normal periods. It lasted for four days. Even now, I have minor stomach cramps, lower back pain, and headaches on and off during the day. Is this because of two doses of I-pill or am I pregnant? I searched on the internet and they seem to be early pregnancy symptoms. A detailed answer would be highly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You rightly took the I-pill(emergency contraceptive pill) the first time within 72 hours as you were in your fertile period and the chances of pregnancy were higher. The second I-pill was not required as the first would be effective for the next 72 hours. This led to a high-progesterone environment and hence there was a scanty withdrawal bleed that lasted for four days. The withdrawal bleed indicates that you are not pregnant as the endometrium has been shed off. If the pregnancy would have occurred, then there would not have been any bleeding. The abdominal cramps and bloating now is a side effect of progesterone and the best you can do is to increase your water intake to four to five liters a day to neutralize the progesterone effect and it would help. However, to get documentary evidence, you may opt for a serum beta hCG test done to rule out pregnancy conclusively, which is unlikely.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Implantation bleeding would have lasted for two to three days and would have been in the form of spotting to mild darkish-brown discharge. A urine pregnancy test can be done of course.

Regards.