Birth Control Methods: Emergency Contraception Pill / Question
Published: September 26, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I had sex about a week ago and the condom split so I went and got the morning after pill about a day later. I had just finished my period when I had sex, but I have just started my period again! And it's only a week later! The pharmacist said that I would be likely to get my period about 3 days early . . . but not this early! What is wrong?
Signed: Morning After Pill And Very Early Period
Dear Morning After Pill And Very Early Period,
TeenHealthFX can understand your concern, but it is not uncommon for women who have taken the "Morning After Pill" to have irregular bleeding that is not really their period. The duration of the irregular bleeding is not predictable. You should, however, have another normal period within the next month. If not, you should get a pregnancy test just to make sure your not pregnant.
Your next period should come more or less on time. According the World Health Organization, more than half the women who took the "Morning After Pill" experienced the onset of their period anywhere from three days early to three days late of their normal date.
TeenHealthFX has talked about the Morning After Pill before. Check out Emergency Contraception or for more information and go to Not-2-Late.com.
Since you are sexually active, you should look into alternate types of contraceptives (see safer sex). Condoms used alone only have an 86% effectiveness rate for preventing pregnancy, but they are the best protection available for preventing STD's. The best method of birth control is to not have sex. But if you are going to have sex, you should look into another method of protection like the pill or Depo Provera. Also, this second method of birth control should be used with condoms. This offers protection against some STDs and double protection against pregnancy.
There are available resources for you. A teen health clinic can see you without your parent's permission, confidentially and on a low/no cost basis. Also, they can help to educate you in making the best possible decisions regarding sex, birth control and STD protection. If you live in Northern New Jersey, you can contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, please call your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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