Difference between period and irregular bleeding

It can be tricky to differentiate between a period and irregular bleeding after taking a morning-after pill. Let's break it down: How Emergency Contraception Affects Bleeding: Morning-after pills (like the one you mentioned) primarily work by delaying ovulation. This surge of hormones can disrupt your regular menstrual cycle, leading to unpredictable bleeding. * Withdrawal Bleeding: This is bleeding triggered by the sudden drop in hormone levels after taking the pill. It often occurs within a week of taking the medication. * Altered Period: The pill can make your period arrive earlier, later, heavier, lighter, or with different symptoms. Analyzing Your Situation: You had intercourse on March 2nd, took the pill around March 4th, and bled three weeks later. Given the timing, this bleeding *could* be: 1. Your actual period: It's possible your cycle was minimally affected, and this was a normal period. The abdominal pain could align with typical menstrual cramps. 2. Withdrawal bleeding/Disrupted Period: The hormonal shift may have triggered an early bleed that resembled a period. Pregnancy Possibility: While the pill significantly reduces the risk, it isn't 100% effective. The bleeding you experienced doesn't definitively rule out pregnancy. Recommendations: * Pregnancy Test: The most reliable way to know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Over-the-counter tests are accurate a few weeks after intercourse. * Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any unusual symptoms like severe nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue. These could indicate pregnancy. * Consult a Doctor: If your next period is significantly delayed or different from usual, or if you have persistent concerns, consult a doctor to check for potential complications.