Taking Unwanted 72 during your period is generally safe, but it is often unnecessary because the risk of pregnancy during menstruation is already very low. However, pregnancy is still possible, particularly if you have a shorter menstrual cycle or ovulate soon after your period ends. If you have had unprotected sex or your regular contraception has failed, Unwanted 72 may be used as an emergency contraceptive within the recommended time. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Why Do Women Take Unwanted 72 During Periods?
Women sometimes take emergency contraception like Unwanted 72 during their periods due to misunderstandings about the menstrual cycle, irregular bleeding mistaken for a period, or anxiety after unprotected sex. Unwanted 72 contains levonorgestrel and is used as emergency contraception after unprotected sex or when regular contraception fails, such as when a condom breaks.
The pill mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation, which can reduce the chance of pregnancy when taken within the recommended time after unprotected sex. Therefore, some women may consider taking Unwanted 72 after having unprotected sex during their period because they are concerned about pregnancy.
However, not every woman who has unprotected sex during her period necessarily needs emergency contraception. The chance of pregnancy may be lower during menstruation, but it is not completely absent, particularly when menstrual cycles are irregular or ovulation occurs earlier than expected.
Unwanted 72 Tablet Side Effects
Unwanted 72 may cause some temporary side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects can include nausea, headache, abdominal cramps, tiredness, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in the timing or flow of the next period. These effects are usually mild and settle on their own.
What Happens If You Take It While You Are Bleeding?
Usually, nothing serious happens.
You may simply continue having your period as normal. Some women, however, notice that their bleeding looks a little different after taking the pill.
For example, you may have some spotting or your next period may not come on the exact date you expected.
You may also have mild side effects such as nausea, headache, tiredness, or period-like cramps. These usually settle without treatment.
So if you took Unwanted 72 during your period and noticed a little change in your bleeding afterward, that alone does not usually mean that something is wrong.
Can Unwanted 72 Make Your Next Period Late?
Yes, taking Unwanted 72 can make your next period late.
This is one of the things that often causes worry after taking an emergency pill.
Your next period may come a few days earlier or later than usual. The bleeding may also be a little different from what you normally see.
This happens because the tablet contains a hormone that can temporarily affect your cycle.
So, if your next period is not exactly on time, don't assume that you are pregnant straight away. Give it some time, and if the period is quite late, take a pregnancy test.
Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Sex During Your Period?
Yes, but the possibility is generally lower compared to the period surrounding ovulation.
This is because the timing of ovulation differs from one female to another.
For instance, you might be having a short cycle, and you may ovulate shortly after you finish menstruating. The sperm can even survive in the reproductive system for up to five days.
This means that intercourse during the latter phase of the period may lead to conception.
In conclusion, having periods does not necessarily mean that there is no likelihood of getting pregnant.
How Soon Should You Take Unwanted 72?
If you have made up your mind about using emergency contraception, there is no need for unnecessary delays.
Levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception needs to be used as soon as possible after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. Unwanted 72, on average, is intended to be used within 72 hours, or 3 days, following unprotected sexual intercourse.
It is always preferable to use it earlier rather than later.
Here is something that most women forget about. Using the tablet will not protect you from future unprotected sexual intercourse.
For instance, if you use Unwanted 72 today and have unprotected sexual intercourse tomorrow, you will be able to get pregnant.
Does Unwanted 72 Stop an Existing Pregnancy?
No.
Unwanted 72 is used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. Unwanted 72 is not able to terminate a pregnancy once a woman is already pregnant.
For this reason, taking the drug following an earlier instance of unprotected sex does not mean that the drug can terminate a pregnancy from an earlier incident.
If your menstrual cycle is late even before you take the drug, then you should consult a doctor.
What If Your Period Is Very Different After Taking It?
A little change is quite common.
You might get some spotting. Your next period might come early. It might also be late. The amount of bleeding can be different from your usual period.
But if you have very heavy bleeding, strong stomach pain, or feel faint or very weak, don't simply put it down on the tablet. You should get medical advice.
Also, if your next period is quite late, take a pregnancy test.
What If You Vomit After Taking Unwanted 72?
This depends on how soon you vomited.
If you vomit within about 2 hours of taking the pill, some of the medicine may not have been absorbed properly. In that situation, speak to a doctor or pharmacist because you may need another dose.
Don't keep taking extra tablets on your own.
Can You Take Unwanted 72 More Than Once?
Sometimes women need emergency contraception more than once. Taking it again does not mean that you will become infertile or that you will have problems having children later.
However, it is not meant to be your regular method of birth control.
If you find yourself needing Unwanted 72 often, it may be worth talking to a gynaecologist about a regular option that fits your needs. That can give you more reliable protection and save you from worrying about emergency pills each time.
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?
If your next period is much later than usual, take a pregnancy test.
You should also test if the bleeding you get is much lighter or shorter than your normal period and you are unsure whether it was really your period.
A pregnancy test is a much better way to clear the doubt than trying to judge pregnancy from bleeding or other symptoms.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most women do not have serious problems after taking Unwanted 72.
But you should get medical help if you have:
- Very heavy bleeding.
- Strong or continuing pain in your lower stomach.
- Severe dizziness or fainting.
- A positive pregnancy test along with stomach pain.
- A period that is much later than expected and you are not sure what to do next.
Strong pain or fainting with a positive pregnancy test needs quick medical attention.
Final Thoughts
The use of Unwanted 72 pills during periods is completely safe and will not become toxic merely because you have been bleeding.
The effects that you are likely to experience will be associated with the disturbance of your menstrual cycle, and the next period may arrive either earlier or later. Also, there might be some instances of spotting in women.
Moreover, do not rely only on menstruation as a means of contraception. You are capable of getting pregnant even after sex during periods due to premature ovulation.
Thus, if you are experiencing doubts regarding your current bleeding, your next period, and pregnancy prevention, consulting a gynaecologist would give you a definite response according to your menstrual cycle and sex.
Dr. Shreshtha Sagar Tanwar is an experienced fertility specialist in Greater Noida with more than 16+ years of experience who can help women with their questions concerning pregnancy, birth control, periods, and fertility.
FAQs
1. Can you safely take Unwanted 72 during your period?
Yes. Unwanted 72 can be taken during your period if there is a risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex.
2. Can Unwanted 72 make your period late?
Yes. Your next period may come a few days earlier or later than usual after taking Unwanted 72.
3. Can you get pregnant from sex during your period?
Yes. The chance of pregnancy is generally lower during menstruation, but pregnancy is still possible, particularly if ovulation occurs earlier than expected.
4. What happens if you vomit after taking Unwanted 72?
If you vomit within two hours of taking Unwanted 72, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to take another dose.
5. What should I do if my period does not come after taking Unwanted 72?
If your period is significantly late, take a pregnancy test. If the result is positive or you experience severe abdominal pain, consult your doctor.
