What Causes Vaginal Bleeding After Having Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015

Question: Hi,
On 17th XXXXXXX we had unprotected sex and my wife took EC pill (postpone 72)on the same day. On 18th XXXXXXX she had slight bleeding and on 19th she had her periods which lasted for 3-4 days but her normal date is 28th. Till date(2nd Mar) she didn't had her periods.Did the pill failed or its a side effect of it?

Answered by Dr. Nidhi Setia (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
wait for 3-4 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

I can understand your concerns.

The bleeding which she had on 19th XXXXXXX for four days had been due to effects of EC pill. This suggests that products of conception, if any, would have been washed out.

She missed periods on 28th XXXXXXX because she had had them on 19th.

Next date for periods would have been 28th feb (considering her menstrual cycle to be normal and of 28-30 days).
But you have mentioned that, she has not had periods till today (2nd march).

I must tell you that, EC pill can cause disturbed cycle. The periods can be early or late.

I would suggest her to wait for 3-4 days more for her periods.

If she does not get her periods even then, then she should go for urine pregnancy test (even though the chances of pregnancy are minimal) and consult a gynecologist.

Feel free to discuss further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Nidhi Setia (1 hour later)

Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks for your response. My biggest concern is, if she is pregnant, will the baby be healthy, physically and mentally? Will there be any effects on the baby?

Our daughter is 10 months old and we don't want to have another baby now. if my wife is pregnant what should be our next move?

Answered by Dr. Nidhi Setia (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
UPT and ultrasound abdomen.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow-up.

Dear,
Firstly, there are minimal chances of pregnancy.

If by any chance, your wife is pregnant, the baby will be healthy in all ways. I mean, EC pills wont affect the health of baby.

But, if you donot want a baby now, I would suggest her to go for an urine pregnancy test and abdominal ultrasound first.

If the pregnancy is confirmed, MTP pills (contain mifepristone and misoprostol) can help in abortion.
DO NOT take these tablets on your own.
Consult a gynecologist for further management.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to discuss further.

Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback.

Thanks.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E