Unwanted 72 is a widely used emergency contraceptive pill that helps to prevent unintended pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Its active ingredient, levonorgestrel, works primarily by inhibiting ovulation, thereby reducing the chance of fertilization.
But what happens if you take it during your period? Many women wonder about its effects, whether it changes their cycle, and will it has any long-term consequences.
Let’s break it all down.
What Happens If You Take an Unwanted 72 During Your Period?
Unwanted 72 is an emergency contraceptive that is designed to prevent conception after unprotected or unplanned sex. Consuming it only during an emergency is highly recommended.
But, consuming it in between your periods can result in different side effects. Around 13 to 14% of women experience extremely painful menstrual cramps. It can also reduce the blood flow and stop the period earlier or extend it beyond the exact due date of the menstrual cycle.
Does It Change Your Cycle or Cause Irregular Periods?
1. May Cause Your Menses to Start Early or Late
Unwanted 72 can affect the hormonal balance of a woman and make her menstruation early or late. If it is taken before ovulation, it may delay the process of ovulation and postpone her period. In case the contraceptive is taken after ovulation, it may bring about an early period by changing the endometrial lining.
2. Irregular Bleeding Can Occur
For some women, heavy bleeding may occur, as the hormonal dose leads to excessive shedding of the uterine lining. Others may have a lighter period as the pill might render the uterine lining thin with decreased menstrual flow. However, most of these effects usually get resolved on their own, and there is no need to see a doctor unless it is accompanied by extremely heavy bleeding.
3. In Rare Situations- They may Just Skip Their Period
Still, many women may actually miss their period after taking emergency contraception. If your period is over one week late, we suggest you take the test for pregnancy. Emergency contraception is very effective against pregnancy; it is, however, not 100 percent guaranteed in prevention, especially if taken late or ovulation has already occurred.
Long-Term Side Effects of Repeated Emergency Pill Use
Emergency contraceptives like Unwanted 72 and I-Pill are exclusively designed for avoiding unexpected or unplanned pregnancy. However, using them long period or more often may have certain side effects, such as:
1. Hormonal Disruptions
Using emergency contraception frequently can disturb your body’s natural hormone levels, leading to irregular cycles, unexpected bleeding, and unpredictable ovulation.
2. Increased Risk of Menstrual Irregularities
- Heavier or prolonged periods
- Fewer or no periods
- More painful cramps
- Breakthrough bleeding
3. Mood Swings and Emotional Stress
The hormonal impact of emergency contraceptives can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even depression in some women.
4. Not a Sustainable Birth Control Method
Emergency contraception is not meant for regular use. Depending on it repeatedly, instead of opting for a more consistent birth control method, can lead to unnecessary hormonal stress on the body.
Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?
If you find yourself frequently relying on Unwanted 72, it could bring several underlying issues:
- Irregular periods: Could indicate hormonal imbalances
- Fertility concerns: Unpredictable cycles may signal ovulation issues
- Contraceptive failure: You may need a more reliable birth control method
Listening to your body’s signals and making informed decisions about your reproductive health is essential when you’re using emergency contraceptive pills frequently.
When Should You See a Fertility Doctor?
Seeking medical help is obviously the only choice when you experience any consistent irregularities in the menstrual cycle after starting to consume emergency contraceptive. Therefore, make sure to visit the hospital when you experience:
- Repeatedly needing emergency contraception
- Unpredictable or irregular cycles
- Difficulty conceiving despite trying for a year
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalances (acne, weight gain, hair loss, severe cramps)
Plan Your Future: Why IUI and IVF Might Be Your Next Best Step?
To be clear, emergency contraceptives won’t bring you any severe fertility issues and don’t negatively impact long-term fertility.
But the thing is, frequent disruption of emergency contraceptives may result in hormonal imbalances. In rare cases, natural conception might be a challenge due to these menstrual cycle irregularities.
Thus, when facing such difficulties, consulting the best fertility doctor can help you get pregnant through an appropriate ART method. Treatments like IVF, IUI, and ICSI offer hope to every woman struggling with infertility and natural conception.
Conclusion
Taking Unwanted 72 during your period generally does not pose a serious health risk, but it can temporarily affect your cycle. If you rely on emergency contraception frequently, it might be time to explore more reliable birth control options. Paying attention to your body’s signals and seeking medical advice when needed will help ensure long-term reproductive health. For ongoing contraception, consider consulting a healthcare professional to explore regular, more reliable methods suited to your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, consuming Unwanted 72 pills during the menstrual cycle will not stop the menstrual period, instead, it results in excruciating painful menstruation pain.
Yes, pregnancy is possible in future even if you consume Unwanted 72 emergency contraceptive during your menstrual cycle.
Using Unwanted 72 occasionally will not have any potential side effects in the long term. Frequent usage may disrupt hormonal balance and result in menstrual cycle irregularities.
