HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Heavy Mid-cycle Bleeding, Cramps After Taking Next Choice One Step Pill Post Intercourse. How Long Will It Last?

I took next choice one step a month ago after having unprotected sex. I spotted brown discharge for a while then had my period. Well a day after my period (a few weeks or so after taking the pill ) I had unprotected sex again and I bought another next choice one step pill , I took it and now a week or two later I m bleeding very very heavy and with some cramps . Is this normal?? I m freaking out here. How long does this last?
Thu, 6 Dec 2012
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello. I'm Dr. Christensen.
I'm sorry you're having problems. Although it isn't possible to pinpoint the cause of your bleeding and cramping without an examination, there are several possibilities:

Next Choice, like all forms of emergency contraception, is a hormonal medication. Menstrual irregularities -- delayed or skipped periods, spotting, mid-cycle bleeding, or abnormally light or heavy periods -- are common in women who use these medications. If you take emergency contraception several times during one cycle or during successive cycles, your risk for side effects increases. Typically, these side effects subside within a few days to a week, and most women resume their normal menstrual pattern within a cycle or two...unless they use emergency contraception again.

Although emergency contraception is 95% effective for preventing pregnancy when taken within 24 hours of intercourse, it is much less effective if a woman has already ovulated when she takes her pill. So it's possible, although unlikely, that you conceived following your first sexual encounter, and your current bleeding could be due to a miscarriage. (The period you had following your first course of Next Choice may have actually been implantation bleeding.) If you did conceive, your current bleeding could also be a manifestation of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

A third possibility is a pelvic infection. Most such infections are due to sexually transmitted diseases, which are more likely if you're not in a monogamous relationship. (You didn't mention if you have more than one partner.)

In any event, it sounds like your bleeding is fairly significant. If you're soaking more than one tampon or pad per hour for more than 24 hours, a medical evaluation is in order. Likewise, you should see your doctor if you become lightheaded, if you develop severe pelvic pain, fever or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or if your bleeding persists for more than one week.
I hope that answers your questions, and I hope things settle down soon!
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]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Hormonal contraceptive


Loading Online Doctors....
Heavy Mid-cycle Bleeding, Cramps After Taking Next Choice One Step Pill Post Intercourse. How Long Will It Last?

Hello. I m Dr. Christensen. I m sorry you re having problems. Although it isn t possible to pinpoint the cause of your bleeding and cramping without an examination, there are several possibilities: Next Choice, like all forms of emergency contraception, is a hormonal medication. Menstrual irregularities -- delayed or skipped periods, spotting, mid-cycle bleeding, or abnormally light or heavy periods -- are common in women who use these medications. If you take emergency contraception several times during one cycle or during successive cycles, your risk for side effects increases. Typically, these side effects subside within a few days to a week, and most women resume their normal menstrual pattern within a cycle or two...unless they use emergency contraception again. Although emergency contraception is 95% effective for preventing pregnancy when taken within 24 hours of intercourse, it is much less effective if a woman has already ovulated when she takes her pill. So it s possible, although unlikely, that you conceived following your first sexual encounter, and your current bleeding could be due to a miscarriage. (The period you had following your first course of Next Choice may have actually been implantation bleeding.) If you did conceive, your current bleeding could also be a manifestation of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. A third possibility is a pelvic infection. Most such infections are due to sexually transmitted diseases, which are more likely if you re not in a monogamous relationship. (You didn t mention if you have more than one partner.) In any event, it sounds like your bleeding is fairly significant. If you re soaking more than one tampon or pad per hour for more than 24 hours, a medical evaluation is in order. Likewise, you should see your doctor if you become lightheaded, if you develop severe pelvic pain, fever or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or if your bleeding persists for more than one week. I hope that answers your questions, and I hope things settle down soon!