Delayed Periods After Taking Emergency Contraceptive

The menstrual period has not arrived after taking the emergency contraceptive pill?

I had my period on November 6th (it was delayed by 5 days in November).
I had intercourse with my boyfriend on the night of November 21st, and he ejaculated inside me.
I took emergency contraception (Postinor) the next morning at 10 AM on November 22nd.
From November 25th to 27th, I experienced severe bloating and pain in my abdomen and chest.
It still feels bloated and painful now, although not as intensely as it did from the 25th to the 27th.
Currently, I have a sensation similar to premenstrual cramps, but my period has not arrived yet.
Could you please advise me on when I might expect my period? When is the best time to take a pregnancy test for accurate results? Thank you, doctor.
I took a pregnancy test on December 5th, and it showed negative.
How could this happen?

En en, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/07

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test is usually accurate only after 12 days post-conception.
If the chance of pregnancy is low and your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/12/07

More Info

When it comes to understanding delayed periods after taking emergency contraceptives, it's essential to consider several factors that can influence menstrual cycles and pregnancy tests.
Firstly, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as the one you took (commonly known as "后保寧" or ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, which means that if taken before ovulation, they can effectively prevent the egg from being fertilized. However, they can also cause temporary hormonal changes that may affect your menstrual cycle.

Given that your last menstrual period started on November 6 and you had unprotected intercourse on November 21, taking the emergency contraceptive on November 22 was a timely decision. However, it's not uncommon for ECPs to cause a delay in your next period. The hormonal fluctuations induced by the pill can lead to symptoms such as breast tenderness and abdominal bloating, which you have experienced. These symptoms can mimic premenstrual syndrome (PMS), making it difficult to determine if your period is approaching or if there is another underlying issue.

Regarding your question about when to expect your period, it's important to note that after taking ECPs, your period may be delayed by a few days to a week. Since you mentioned that your period was already late by five days in November, it's possible that the ECPs have further delayed it. Generally, if your period does not arrive within three weeks of taking the emergency contraceptive, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test.

As for the timing of the pregnancy test, the most accurate results are obtained when testing at least one week after the expected date of your period. Since you tested on December 5 and received a negative result, it suggests that you are likely not pregnant, especially if your period does not arrive soon after. However, if your period remains absent for more than a week after the expected date, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, the delay in your menstrual cycle after taking emergency contraception can be attributed to the hormonal changes caused by the pill. Your symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness are common side effects. If your period does not arrive soon, consider retesting or consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. It's essential to monitor your body and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your reproductive health.

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