The day after pill, also known as emergency contraception, is a medication used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. A common concern for many individuals who take this pill is its potential impact on their menstrual cycle. It is common for emergency contraception to temporarily alter the timing and characteristics of a person’s period.
How the Day After Pill Influences Your Menstrual Cycle
The day after pill primarily works by altering hormone levels to delay or prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Two main types of emergency contraception pills are available: those containing a high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel and those with ulipristal acetate.
Levonorgestrel-based pills mimic the hormone progesterone, signaling to the body that ovulation has occurred. Ulipristal acetate, on the other hand, blocks progesterone from functioning, which can delay ovulation even if the body is preparing to release an egg. This hormonal surge temporarily disrupts the natural balance that controls the menstrual cycle, influencing when and how the next period arrives. These changes are short-term, and the body returns to its normal cycle within one or two menstrual periods.
Common Period Changes to Expect
After taking the day after pill, individuals may notice various changes to their menstrual period. The timing of the next period can vary; some experience an earlier period, while others find it is delayed. A delay of a few days to a week is common, though periods may arrive earlier, especially if the pill is taken early in the menstrual cycle.
Changes in menstrual flow are also possible, with some individuals reporting a heavier or lighter flow than usual. Spotting or light bleeding between periods is a common side effect, often occurring within days of taking the pill and lasting briefly. These alterations in timing, flow, and the presence of spotting are a result of the temporary hormonal disruption caused by the medication and resolve within one or two subsequent cycles.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional in specific situations. If your period is significantly delayed, take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. Emergency contraception is effective, but it does not offer 100% protection against pregnancy.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent heavy bleeding, such as soaking through several pads or tampons in less than two hours, or if bleeding lasts longer than seven days. Severe abdominal pain, especially three to five weeks after taking the pill, warrants immediate medical attention. This could indicate a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Any other concerning or unusual symptoms should also prompt a discussion with a healthcare professional.