Question about Emergency Contraception Pill (aka Morning After)?

Question

I took the ECP, 'Norlevo', 6 days ago. I took it about an hour after having intercourse, even though I had used a condom which had stayed intact. I experienced very mild abdominal pain for 2 days afterwards, and then my bodily functions returned to normal. It was just yesterday that I have started to have vaginal spotting/light bleeding, which has become slightly more heavy now. It most definitely isn't my period, because my period is due in about 2 and a half weeks.
My question is: does this usually happen with ECP and when does the bleeding usually stop? Also, given that I used it within the hour and I also used another form of contraception, could these signs be of pregnancy or is it too early to tell?

Just a bit of extra info:

I don't intend to use this as a regular form of contraception. In fact I don't intend to ever use it again.

The bleeding is quite light. I have quite heavy periods normally and the bleeding I am experiencing now is light.

Answer 1

These symptoms are perfectly normal. When taking Norlevo, the following symptoms are usually experienced:

gastro-intestinal disturbances, changes in appetite or weight,

fluid retention, oedema, acne, melasma or chloasma,

allergic skin reactions, urticaria, mental depression,

breast changes including discomfort or less frequently gynaecomastia,

changes in libido, hair loss, fatigue, drowsiness or insomnia, fever, headache,

premenstrual syndrome –like symptoms,
and altered menstrual cycles or irregular menstrual bleeding (which is what you are experiencing).

I used it a couple of times and had the same symptoms - they are perfectly normal. The bleeding should not last more than 3 weeks however, so if it does, consult your doctor.

Also given the fact that you used two very reliable forms of contraceptive - there is a very slim chance of you being pregnant. If you are still doubtful a pregnacy test will be able to detect this at least tewo weeks after sex.

Dont worry, Im sure you are ok. Take care and all the best for the holidays and in 2007.

Answer 2

The "morning after pill" basically forces your body to have a period - to flush out a fertilized egg before it implants, if you have one.

it's pretty harsh on your body, and should be used for drastic measures, NOT for regular birth control.

So your period came early because of this pill, it will go back to normal in time, but you are having a forced period right now. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS AS A REGULAR FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL. If you don't trust condoms, double up with the patch, the pill, the shot, the ring - anything else, but using this pill on a regular basis will be VERY HARSH ON YOUR SYSTEM.

Answer 3

I'm a nurse. YOu could have been pregnant. Also to your cycle could have also changed. It's hard to determine without a full medical history in front of me. I would recommend you call the on call doctor and ask him. Spotting sounds like a sign of the passage of a fetus, what came out, was it in tissue form, or did you notice? I think you need to see a doctor, make an appointment. Since you stated that everything went back to working normally, I wouldn't worry, you are fine. I would schedule an appointment and make sure you keep it. Take care.

Answer 4

wow..you are very proactive..wouldn't have taken it w/an intact condom myself...it is normal to have some spotting after you take this..and it can cause abdominal pain..including an upset stomach I understand...and can lead to an "extra" period..it may throw your schedule off for awhile...it can be like a normal period lasting for about the same length of time...gee instead of taking hormones next time maybe add foam to your use of a condom that should cover you pretty daned good...