On the third day of my cycle, I took an emergency contraceptive (i-pill). The bleeding stopped briefly but restarted after two days and has continued heavily for about 9 days. I have mild occasional pain and have never experienced such prolonged or heavy bleeding before. What could be the underlying problem?
Taking an emergency contraceptive, such as an i-pill, can sometimes disturb the body?s normal hormonal balance. Because it contains a high dose of hormones, it may cause irregular bleeding, an early or delayed period, spotting, or a heavier flow than usual. In your case, the medicine may have affected the uterine lining, causing the bleeding to stop briefly and then restart. Although some irregular bleeding is common after taking an emergency contraceptive pill, heavy bleeding lasting around 9 days is not considered normal, especially if you have never experienced this before. Possible causes include a strong hormonal reaction to the pill, a temporary menstrual imbalance, or, less commonly, an early miscarriage or another pregnancy-related problem. Conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or thyroid disorders may also contribute to prolonged bleeding. Mild occasional pain can occur with hormonal changes, but you should see a doctor or gynaecologist soon for proper evaluation. Your doctor may advise a pregnancy test, blood tests, or an ultrasound scan to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.