Brief Answer: Likely to be hormonal imbalance. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us. Emergency contraception usually creates disturbances in the menstrual cycle as the excess hormone content in the medication disrupts the hormonal milieu of the body and this is the way contraception is achieved. You did have the emergency pill during the fertile period and if you took it within the stipulated time interval after an intercourse, you are well protected. Timely consumption of the pill gives 99% protection. Also, the fact that you had a normal period after the incident excludes the possibility of any pregnancy. The delay in the period is due to the pill effect. This hormonal disturbance is also the probable cause of the persistent spotting. In the current scenario, I would suggest that you see a specialist for a physical exam, get a trans-vaginal sonogram and if everything is fine, go for hormonal supplementation to set things right. Usually a course of progesterone and styptics should settle things. If not, further investigation would be necessary. Blood counts and hormonal assays should be done to clarify the cause. There is no reason to stress; it should be a simple hormonal disturbance caused by the emergency contraception. In future, please do not go for emergency pills unless very much needed. Use of emergency contraception should usually be restricted to once or twice a year and in their place, some form of regular contraception adopted. Hope your query has been clarified. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help. regards, Shanti.V.

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Brief Answer: Disturbance is temporary. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing back. This hormonal disturbance is only temporary and secondary to the pill intake. It should get relieved once appropriate treatment is instituted and future cycles are usually not disturbed. Since you have a pretty good menstrual record, you need not worry. If you wish to conceive in future, please remember that your fertile period falls around the 15th-16th day of your cycle since you have 30-day cycles and unprotected intercourse should be done around that period. While the sperms can actively live up to 5-6 days, the ovum lives only for a maximum of one day. This means, the window is narrow as far as the ovum is concerned and you have to time the intercourse accordingly. Hope your doubt is answered. Please get back if you need more information. I will be glad to help. regards, Shanti.V.

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