Causes of Bleeding After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills
May 28, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Xiaohui
Introduction
Emergency contraceptive pills are hormonal medications that can disrupt the body’s endocrine hormone balance, potentially causing slight shedding of the endometrium and resulting in light bleeding—known as withdrawal bleeding induced by contraceptive pills—due to adverse effects of the medication.
Emergency contraceptive pills are hormonal medications that may disrupt the body’s endocrine balance, potentially causing minor shedding of the endometrium and resulting in light vaginal bleeding—termed “withdrawal bleeding” induced by adverse effects of the contraceptive.
Bleeding typically lasts 3–7 days; if it resolves within this timeframe, no intervention is usually required. The amount of bleeding generally resembles that seen on Day 1—or occasionally Days 3–4—of a regular menstrual period, but never exceeds the volume observed on Day 2.
If bleeding persists beyond 7 days, an ultrasound examination at a hospital is recommended to assess endometrial thickness and morphology; hemostatic treatment may be necessary depending on findings. Withdrawal bleeding may delay the next menstrual period, as endometrial shedding and thinning can postpone menstruation by 7–10 days; close observation is advised.
