Delayed Menstruation After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Delayed menstruation?

You had unprotected intercourse on your ovulation day with your boyfriend using a condom and practiced withdrawal.
Concerned about the condom breaking, you took emergency contraception (Plan B).
Ten days later, you are experiencing lower abdominal discomfort, lower back pain, and breast tenderness, but your menstrual period has not yet arrived.
Your last menstrual period started on January 26.
There are claims online that taking emergency contraception can cause your period to arrive earlier or later.
When can you expect your period?

Kai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/21

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ovulation day was followed by having intercourse with my boyfriend using a condom and withdrawal method.
I am concerned about the possibility of the condom breaking, so I took emergency contraception (Postinor).
Ten days later, I am experiencing mild abdominal discomfort, lower back pain, and breast tenderness, but my menstrual period has not yet arrived.
I would like to know when my period is expected to come.
Answer: The timing of your period is uncertain; it was due on January 26.
I read online that taking emergency contraception can cause your period to come earlier or later.
Answer: Yes, taking emergency contraception can indeed cause your period to be early or delayed.

Reply Date: 2019/01/21

More Info

When it comes to understanding delayed menstruation after the use of emergency contraceptives, it's important to consider several factors. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as the one you mentioned (妊止膜依錠), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, which can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle.

After taking an ECP, it is common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. Some may find that their period arrives earlier than expected, while others may experience a delay. The hormonal changes induced by the ECP can affect the timing of ovulation and, consequently, the onset of menstruation. In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill, it is possible that your cycle may be affected, leading to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as abdominal discomfort, lower back pain, and breast tenderness.

Typically, after taking an ECP, your period should arrive within a week or so of when it is expected. However, it can be delayed by a few days to a week or even longer, depending on individual hormonal responses and the timing of ovulation. If your period does not arrive within three weeks of the expected date, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out the possibility of pregnancy, as ECPs are not 100% effective.

In addition to hormonal fluctuations, stress and anxiety about the situation can also contribute to changes in your menstrual cycle. If you are feeling anxious about the possibility of being pregnant or the effects of the emergency contraceptive, this stress can further delay your period.

If you find that your period is significantly delayed (more than a week past the expected date) or if you have any unusual symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance, perform a pregnancy test if necessary, and help you understand the changes in your menstrual cycle.

In summary, after taking emergency contraception, it is not uncommon to experience a delay in your menstrual cycle. The timing of your period can be influenced by the hormonal effects of the ECP, as well as other factors such as stress. If your period does not arrive as expected, consider taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and support.

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