Women who take the emergency contraceptive pills may have noticed light bleeding within a week of taking them. This is called withdrawal bleeding, which happens due to the sudden change in hormone levels but it is not your actual period.
Scroll to understand more about why you get a period after taking the morning pill, does it ensure no pregnancy, and when to expect your normal period.
What is Withdrawal Bleeding?
To put simply, withdrawal bleeding after any contraceptives may happen because your body is trying to adjust to the sudden change in hormone levels.
These morning pills contain levonorgestrel, a hormone that causes your uterus to shed its lining and cause light period within the seven days of intake, as per NCBI. The purpose is to avoid pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
After withdrawal bleeding when to expect period? You’ll have them 3 to 4 weeks after the withdrawal bleeding. But in some cases, it can vary based on how your body reacts to the contraceptive.
If your cycle does not resume after 5-6 weeks, consult a doctor. Now that you know about the withdrawal bleeding meaning, scroll down to check its symptoms.
Withdrawal Bleeding Symptoms
The common symptoms of withdrawal bleeding can look the same as light menstrual flow with a few differences. You may experience:
- Abdominal cramps
- Spotting or light bleeding with more clots than normal
- Tenderness in the breasts
- Fatigue or mood swings
These symptoms are likely to resolve on their own in a few days.
Does Withdrawal Bleeding Means No Pregnancy?
It is not always so that withdrawal bleeding means no pregnancy. While the mild bleeding means that the uterus has shed the lining, it is not a sure sign that you’re not pregnant.
Many women experience light bleeding even in early pregnancy, which is called implantation bleeding. If your period does not occur in the coming month, it is advised to take a pregnancy test to be sure. Learn more about it in the next section.
| Did You Know?
Levonorgestrel emergency pills are 100% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken before ovulation, but they don’t work if taken on or after ovulation. |
Implantation Bleeding vs Withdrawal Bleeding
A lot of people get confused about what is withdrawal bleeding or implantation bleeding. Here are their key differences to tell them apart:
| Feature | Withdrawal Bleeding | Implantation Bleeding |
| Cause | Due to a hormonal drop after stopping or taking pills | Due to a fertilised egg attaching to the uterus |
| Timing | 3 to 7 days after the hormonal pill | 6–10 days after ovulation |
| Flow | Light to moderate | Very light or spotting (sometimes goes unnoticed) |
| Duration | 3 to 5 days | 1 to 2 days |
| Colour | Bright red or brownish (with clots) | Pinkish or light brown |
How to Stop Withdrawal Bleeding?
Withdrawal bleeding usually resolves naturally and doesn’t require treatment. However, if it’s prolonged or heavy, you can:
- Drink enough water and take adequate rest.
- Avoid too much stress, as it can worsen a hormonal imbalance
- Consult your gynaecologist for personalised advice and especially if bleeding lasts more than 7 days or occurs frequently.
To Sum Up
Withdrawal bleeding happens in response to the hormonal fluctuations due to contraceptive pills, to reduce the chances of pregnancy, but it does not guarantee its absence. It is not your true menstrual period. It usually settles in a few days. If the discomfort is too much, the bleeding does not stop in a few days, or you do not get your normal period in the next 3-5 weeks, consult a doctor and follow up with a test if in doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Withdrawal Bleeding
How do you know if you have withdrawal bleeding?
Withdrawal bleeding happens within a few days of taking an emergency contraceptive pill. The bleeding is lighter than usual with clots and cramps.
Can you still get withdrawal bleeding while pregnant?
If you have taken a contraceptive pill, you may get withdrawal bleeding, and it does not always ensure that you are not pregnant. Consulting your doctor is the best tip for finding out, as home kit tests may not yield accurate results in the initial stages of pregnancy.
What colour is withdrawal bleeding?
The colour of withdrawal bleeding can range from bright red to dark, with brownish clots.
Can periods be delayed after withdrawal bleeding?
Yes, your period may get delayed after withdrawal bleeding, and it may take several months for menstrual cycles to get regular again.
