Expert: Norman Solberg - 4/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Norman,
I had an abortion on the 15th of Jan this year. Got my next regular periods on the 16th of Feb and the next on the 13th of March. I took an EC pill on the 6th day of my periods (18th March) after having unprotected intercourse with my husband the previous day. The following days were absolutely normal. But 10 days after consuming the EC pill (27th March) I experienced watery discharge. The discharge was however clean and had no smell...two days after the watery discharge I experienced spotting for three days(I have heard women talking about spotting after consuming EC pill anytime during the menstrual cycle) so I know its normal...I have also been experiencing cramp like mild pain in the lower abdomen region...its not prominent , however...it feels only when I am pressing hard...yesterday...that is 8th April( 27th day of my menstrual cycle) I started bleeding...I thought it was my regular periods...but it was scanty thru out the day...I hope its my regular periods...I should be bleeding today also (hopefully)...Please let me know if you think its my regular cycle or something else...I am worried as I really do not want anything to affect my future pregnancy...If this is my regular period and if it is scanty because of taking EC pill then would my next periods be normal...does this unusual experience got to do anything with the abortion? Please help me with an answer...I have been having sleepless nights..

Thanks,
Deepa

ANSWER: Dear Deepa,
Irregular bleeding plus a change in the next period is not unusual after the EC pill.  I don't think it has anything to do with the abortion, since you've had 2 periods since then.  Usually things will get back to normal once this period is over.  I'm not sure what the watery discharge or the low abdominal pain is, but as long as it's not prominent I wouldn't worry.  I expect that you'll be feeling normal soon.  Best wishes.
Norman

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: MY FOLLOW UP QUESTION- I have not had any bleeding like my normal periods..but did experience spotting ...Is it normal when an EC pill also affects the flow...I have had no regular loss of menstrual blood...also How does one come to know if she is having an infection in either her uterus or her ovaries? I recently underwent a Urine Test and results were normal. I have no burning sensation or irritation while passing urine...there is no other discomfort whatsoever. But yes..there is a mild cramp like pain(extremely mild) in the lower abdomen region (somewhere near the right ovary). I presume it might be due to the sudden change in the normal funtioning of the body due to EC Pill consumption. I hope the mild pain subsides. I just need to ensure all my reproductive organs are healthy and safe as I really do not want any complications in my future pregnancy. I want to have babies of my own. Please help me. Is there a need to undergo a Sonography to see if eveything is fine inside?
Awaiting your answer.
Thanks and regards,

Deepa

Answer
Hello Deepa,
Yes, EC can affect the flow of your next period, as well as delay it.  I think once you get your real period things will get back to normal.  I don't think you need a sonogram.  It sometimes is difficult to tell if there is a uterine infection, but that would almost always come from an STD.  So as long as you don't get an STD it's usually not a concern.  A sonogram won't show a uterine infection.