Can the morning after pill cause brown or black discharge?

Following the use of the morning after pill, spotting is not unusual. It may last until the next period, which should come on time, a week early, or a week later than you expected. Its presence or absence doesn't say anything about whether or not you're pregnant.

Contrary to the old wives' tale, brown spotting does not represent "old blood." (The lining of the uterus -- the menstrual fluid -- all leaves at the same time, and doesn't leave anyone behind.) Instead, the change in color or consistency is simply a reflection of the changes in hormones that occurred before it was shed (i.e. the progestin that you took). Similar color changes occur with other progesterone treatment, such as Depo Provera or the Mirena IUD. You may also recall that your very first period after puberty was likely to include more brown than black -- not because it was old blood, but because the hormonal environment at puberty was different from how it was later in your reproductive life.

If you are bleeding heavily, or are having additional symptoms such as severe pelvic pain (more than menstrual cramps), fever or chills, unusual vaginal discharge or odor, or pain with urination or sex, contact your health care provider for advice and a possible exam.