HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologywithdrawal bleedingHow do I know if I have withdrawal bleeding or periods?

How to differentiate between periods and withdrawal 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.

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Published At April 29, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 22, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I usually get my periods after a 40-day cycle due to a health issue. This month it did not happen, so I was working out and eating right to get my periods. I had no sex since my last menstruation, so I felt safe and skipped the pregnancy test. Yesterday, while pulling out the condom after sexual intercourse, it accidentally broke. So I took an I-pill after 13 hours. I would like know when will I start bleeding and how to know whether it is periods or withdrawal bleeding. Please help me with this.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepika Joshi

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

You will have withdrawal bleeding within five days. In both withdrawal bleeding and periods, the endometrial lining is shed, so it does not make any difference whether its withdrawal bleeding or periods. In the natural cycle, ovulation occurs, and then there is a secretion of progesterone, and when this progesterone starts falling, the endometrium sheds. Progesterone basically supports the uterine lining. So, if there is no pregnancy, progesterone starts falling and causes the endometrium to shed leading to periods.

When you take I pill, a type of progesterone, as the drug levels start falling within two to three days, the endometrium sheds due to a fall in these levels, and we call it withdrawal bleeding. Any bleeding induced after exogenous hormone is termed withdrawal bleeding.

I hope this answers your query. For any further information or queries, please get back to me at icliniq.com.

Regards.

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

Dr. Deepika Joshi
Dr. Deepika Joshi

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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