Expert: Norman Solberg - 3/28/2009

Question
Dear Norman,
I had unprotected sex with my Man on the 5th days of my Periods(17th of March). I took an I-pill (emergency contraceptive pill)which contains levonorgestrel - a progestogen the next day that is on 18th March. The following days were quite normal. But for the past two days, I have been experiencing pain on the right side of the lower abdomen region(Right ovary) and have been having watery slightly brownish odourless discharge. The discharge has been mostly during the day time.Today I bled...a few drops of blood got discharged....Although it was mentioned in the booklet (I-pill) Booklet that bleeding might take place anytime before the next periods...but what was the reason behind the watery discharge? I called up the I-pill helpline number to find out if the watery discharge was normal after consumuing I-Pill...they said such a prob was unheard of...so please help me with an answer...the pain is no severe pain....awaiting your answer

Answer
Hello Deepa,
The watery slightly brownish discharge is unusual.  Since it was accompanied by pelvic pain, I would wonder about the possibility of an STD and pelvic infection.  That's probably not likely, but I can't think of anything else that is likely.  I also haven't heard of the watery discharge from emergency contraception, but that doesn't mean it might not be the reason, although rare.  It doesn't sound like a vaginal infection.  It doesn't sound like anything to do with pregnancy, assuming this was a normal period.  So I don't have any good explanation for you.  I'm sorry.