Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Stomach Cramps After Taking Birth Control Pills?
I had unprotected sex in November. My "period" was late that month and in the days before my period I was experiencing a lot of discharge, white or clear in color, with no odor. I did end up getting what could have been a period, but was abnormal for me. My period for December was similar, and in January I started birth control. Since I started birth control I've had constant cramps which I hadn't experienced when I used the same birth control last year. Could I be pregnant? I'm almost 20 years old, 5'3", and 150 pounds.
Fri, 19 Feb 2016
Hallow Dear,
If your periods were not normal for continuous two months (I believe they were scanty), and you are suspecting yourself to be pregnant, you should get your pregnancy status confirmed. In fact birth control pills should not be started unless pregnancy is ruled out.
Please get pregnancy test done on the overnight first morning urine sample. Along with get ultrasonography also done. If your pregnancy test reveals 'no pregnancy', no worries. However if the pregnancy test is positive and the ultrasonography shows empty uterus, you have to consider the possibility of pregnancy somewhere outside the uterine cavity (ectopic pregnancy).
Since your previous menses are likely to be scanty and had continuous pain in the lower abdomen, ectopic pregnancy possibility should be kept in mind. To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, one has to be ectopic minded.
If it turns out to be ectopic pregnancy, you will have to get admitted in hospital. It is an haemorrhagic emergency when it ruptures. Please report to your Obstetrician.
If the pregnancy test is positive and ultrasonography shows gestational sac in the uterine cavity, you are having a normal intrauterine pregnancy. If it is unwanted pregnancy, you may opt for termination of pregnancy by medicines. It is safe and effective method for terminating pregnancies upto 9 weeks of gestation.
If pregnancy test is negative and the uterus is empty, your stress is over since there is no pregnancy. In that case, cramps in your abdomen could be attributed to increased acidity due to birth control pills. Proton pump inhibitor antacids like Pantoprazole will help you in this.
If there is any type of pregnancy, please discontinue oral contraceptive pills till the further decision is executed by your Obstetrician.
I hope this helps you for further management.
Dr. Nishikant
If your periods were not normal for continuous two months (I believe they were scanty), and you are suspecting yourself to be pregnant, you should get your pregnancy status confirmed. In fact birth control pills should not be started unless pregnancy is ruled out.
Please get pregnancy test done on the overnight first morning urine sample. Along with get ultrasonography also done. If your pregnancy test reveals 'no pregnancy', no worries. However if the pregnancy test is positive and the ultrasonography shows empty uterus, you have to consider the possibility of pregnancy somewhere outside the uterine cavity (ectopic pregnancy).
Since your previous menses are likely to be scanty and had continuous pain in the lower abdomen, ectopic pregnancy possibility should be kept in mind. To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, one has to be ectopic minded.
If it turns out to be ectopic pregnancy, you will have to get admitted in hospital. It is an haemorrhagic emergency when it ruptures. Please report to your Obstetrician.
If the pregnancy test is positive and ultrasonography shows gestational sac in the uterine cavity, you are having a normal intrauterine pregnancy. If it is unwanted pregnancy, you may opt for termination of pregnancy by medicines. It is safe and effective method for terminating pregnancies upto 9 weeks of gestation.
If pregnancy test is negative and the uterus is empty, your stress is over since there is no pregnancy. In that case, cramps in your abdomen could be attributed to increased acidity due to birth control pills. Proton pump inhibitor antacids like Pantoprazole will help you in this.
If there is any type of pregnancy, please discontinue oral contraceptive pills till the further decision is executed by your Obstetrician.
I hope this helps you for further management.
Dr. Nishikant
I find this answer helpful
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....