Taking Unwanted 72 (levonorgestrel) during your period is medically safe and not toxic, though it is usually unnecessary because the natural risk of pregnancy during active menstrual bleeding is very low.
What Is Unwanted 72?
Unwanted 72 is an emergency contraceptive pill, commonly known as the “morning-after pill,” that contains levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, a synthetic hormone used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
It works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. For the best results, it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, preferably within 72 hours. Its effectiveness decreases with time, and it does not guarantee pregnancy prevention.
Unwanted 72 does not terminate an existing pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Can You Take Unwanted 72 During Periods?
Yes, you can take Unwanted 72 while on your period if emergency contraception is needed. The likelihood of pregnancy during menstruation is generally low, but can occur if you have a short or irregular cycle.
Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for several days. If ovulation happens after your period, there is a chance pregnancy can occur from unprotected sex during your period.
For these reasons, do not solely depend on your period to know if emergency contraception is needed. If you are uncertain as to your pregnancy risk, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What Happens If You Take Unwanted 72 During Periods?
Using Unwanted 72 during menstruation may cause changes in your bleeding pattern. These changes can include:
- Changes in bleeding: Your bleeding may be lighter or heavier than normal during your period.
- Spotting: You may have light bleeding between your normal periods.
- Changes in your next period: Your next period may come earlier or later than normal.
- Temporary cycle irregularity: There may be changes in your normal menstrual cycle.
If you experience any of these changes, it does not mean the pill has failed. You should see a doctor if you have heavy bleeding and abdominal pain. You should also see a doctor for any irregular bleeding that does not go away.
What Are the Common Unwanted 72 Side Effects?
Unwanted 72 side effects are mostly transient.
They include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Sore breasts
- Menstrual bleeding alterations
Most side effects clear up without requiring any particular treatment. Should vomiting occur within two hours of swallowing the pill, seek assistance from a medical practitioner or pharmacist as another dose might be necessary.
There is no established long-term negative impact of emergency contraceptive pills on fertility levels. Repeated usage may result in increased irregularity of menstrual periods; therefore, using conventional contraception would be more appropriate for frequent cases of pregnancy prevention.
After Taking Unwanted 72, When Will Periods Come?
“When will my periods come after taking Unwanted 72?” is a question whose answer varies.
After taking Unwanted 72, the next menstrual cycle may happen at the expected time, come early, or come late. As the menstrual cycle is temporarily changed due to the tablet, slight changes in date don’t mean pregnancy.
In such a case of uncertainty, you should use an early pregnancy test three weeks after the unprotected sex, or should take a test as soon as your period is 7 days late. However, if your period is 7 days late and you have spotting in the meantime, it is recommended that you take a pregnancy test.
If bleeding occurs, it can come in various patterns and may be heavy. Consult your doctor if your menstrual patterns are irregular.
What Are the Unwanted 72 Failure Symptoms?
There isn’t a way to be completely sure that Unwanted 72 has failed. Emergency contraception and symptoms of pregnancy can overlap.
Signs to consider a pregnancy test could include:
- A period that is more than 7 days late
- A period that is lighter and/or shorter than normal
- Persistent breast tenderness and/or nausea
- Symptoms you think may be related to pregnancy
The presence of any of these does not mean for certain that you are pregnant, and a pregnancy test is the most appropriate next step to take.
You should also consider that Unwanted 72 has its limitations. Its effectiveness is reduced the farther out from unprotected sex that it is taken, and it will not protect you from unprotected sex later in the same cycle.
Does Unwanted 72 Affect Future Pregnancy?
It’s not known to affect future fertility by taking Unwanted 72 on occasion. This method of birth control will only temporarily delay or prevent ovulation. This means your ovaries can still release eggs.
Fertility comes back quickly after taking emergency contraception. If you’re not wanting to get pregnant, and you are taking emergency contraception often, then you should speak to your healthcare provider about other ways of contraception, as emergency contraception should only be used occasionally.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
See a doctor in case you:
- Are late in your period by more than 7 days.
- Have a positive pregnancy test while on the pill.
- Suffer from abdominal pain that is severe and lasts for a long time.
- Have very heavy bleeding.
- Have an irregular menstrual cycle.
Abdominal pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding require immediate medical attention, especially in case of a possibility of pregnancy.
Conclusion
Unwanted 72 can be taken during periods when emergency contraception is needed, but it may cause spotting, changes in bleeding, or a delay in the next period. Bleeding after taking the pill does not guarantee that pregnancy has been prevented. If your period is more than seven days late, take a pregnancy test, and consult a doctor if you experience severe pain or unusually heavy bleeding. For personalized guidance on emergency contraception, menstrual health, and pregnancy prevention, consult Dr. Sumiti Mehta, a leading gynecologist in Gurgaon, for appropriate medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will Unwanted 72 prevent my period from coming?
It will not prevent your period since it will not stop it. It will only affect your bleeding but it should not be used for preventing menstruation.
2. Will I get pregnant after having taken Unwanted 72 during my period?
Yes. The drug will decrease the chances of pregnancy but it will not be 100% effective. Pregnancy will happen in case you have ovulation right after your period or in case the medication was ineffective.
3. Will the bleeding after using Unwanted 72 prove the effectiveness of the product?
Not necessarily. Bleeding or spotting does not indicate the prevention of pregnancy. Take a pregnancy test if pregnancy can be likely.
4. Can I take Unwanted 72 more than once?
Emergency contraception is safe to use multiple times if necessary but its frequent use will affect your cycle. Your physician will assist you in choosing more efficient regular contraception.
