Emergency Contraceptive Pills and Menstrual Cycle Delays Explained

Emergency contraceptive pills and menstrual issues?

Hello, doctor.
I have been taking oral contraceptives for the past six months until last month when my doctor advised me to stop for three months to regulate my cycle before continuing.
I was prescribed ovulation medication and instructed to start taking it on the third day of my period.
My last period started on May 12, so I took the medication on the third day.
My period should be due on June 12, but I had sexual intercourse on June 11 and, feeling anxious, I took emergency contraception.
Could the use of emergency contraception be the reason for my delayed period? I have been experiencing symptoms like abdominal discomfort and breast tenderness, but my period has not arrived yet.
I took a pregnancy test yesterday morning, and the result was negative.
Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/16

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation.
If there is one line on the pregnancy test, it indicates that you are likely not pregnant.
If your period does not arrive after waiting another week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/06/16

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), commonly referred to as "morning-after pills," are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They primarily work by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. However, their use can also lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, including delays in the onset of menstruation.

In your case, you mentioned that you were on regular contraceptive pills for several months before your doctor advised you to stop for three months to allow your menstrual cycle to normalize. After stopping, you began taking ovulation-inducing medication on the third day of your menstrual cycle, which started on May 12. Based on a typical cycle, you would expect your next period to start around June 12. However, after having unprotected intercourse on June 11, you took an emergency contraceptive pill.

The timing of your menstrual cycle can be influenced by several factors, including hormonal changes from the contraceptive pills, the ovulation medication, and the emergency contraceptive pill. ECPs can cause a delay in menstruation for a few reasons:
1. Hormonal Fluctuations: ECPs contain hormones that can disrupt your normal hormonal balance. This disruption can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, including delays in the onset of your period.

2. Timing of Ovulation: If the emergency contraceptive pill successfully delayed ovulation, it could push back the timing of your menstrual cycle. If ovulation occurs later than expected, menstruation will also be delayed.

3. Stress and Anxiety: The stress of potential pregnancy and the anxiety surrounding sexual activity can also affect your menstrual cycle. Stress can lead to hormonal changes that may delay your period.

Given that you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and breast tenderness, which are common premenstrual symptoms, it is possible that your period is simply delayed due to the hormonal changes from the emergency contraceptive pill.
Since you have already taken a pregnancy test and it returned negative, it is likely that you are not pregnant. However, if your period does not arrive within a week or so, it may be advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues or if you need to take another pregnancy test.

In summary, the emergency contraceptive pill can indeed cause a delay in your menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. It's essential to monitor your symptoms and consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns or if your period does not arrive as expected.

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