Menstrual Delay: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Menstrual delay


The last sexual intercourse was about 6 weeks ago, during which a condom was used, and emergency contraception was taken.
Last month, menstruation occurred, but it lasted one day shorter than usual, totaling 5 days.
The first three days had a normal flow, but this month, menstruation has been delayed by 13 days.
There is also uterine pain present.
Is menstruation about to start? A pregnancy test showed one line, and to be sure, a visit to the gynecologist was made, which also showed one line.
The doctor prescribed medication to induce menstruation, and today is the first day of taking it.
I would like to know when menstruation is likely to come and whether there is a chance of pregnancy.
Does taking emergency contraception affect menstruation? (My girlfriend's menstrual cycle has always been irregular.)

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/27

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


The last sexual intercourse was about 6 weeks ago, during which a condom was used, and emergency contraception was taken.
Last month, the menstrual period occurred, but it was one day shorter than usual, lasting only 5 days.
The first three days had a normal flow, but this month, the period was delayed by 13 days, accompanied by uterine pain.
Is this an indication that menstruation is about to start?
Answer: It is possible that menstruation is about to start.
A pregnancy test showed one line.
To be sure, a visit to the gynecologist was made, and the result was also one line.
The doctor prescribed menstrual induction medication, which was taken today as the first day.
I would like to ask when menstruation is likely to occur?
Answer: After taking the menstrual induction medication, it typically occurs within 3 to 7 days.
Will this lead to pregnancy?
Answer: No, it will not lead to pregnancy.
Does taking emergency contraception affect menstruation? (My girlfriend's periods are already irregular.)
Answer: Yes, it can affect menstruation.

Reply Date: 2019/05/27

More Info


Understanding menstrual delay can be a complex issue, especially when various factors come into play, such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, and the use of contraceptives. In your case, it seems you have taken several precautions, including using condoms and taking emergency contraception, which can influence your menstrual cycle.

Firstly, it's important to note that emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. They often lead to changes in the timing and flow of your period. Some women may experience an earlier or later onset of menstruation, while others may have a lighter or heavier flow than usual. Since you mentioned that your period came last month but was shorter than usual, this could be a direct effect of the ECP.

The fact that your period is now delayed by 13 days is understandably concerning, especially with the presence of uterine pain, which can sometimes accompany the onset of menstruation. However, it's also crucial to consider that stress, lifestyle changes, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to menstrual irregularities. Given that your girlfriend has a history of irregular periods, this could also play a role in her current situation.

Regarding the pregnancy concern, the negative results from both the home pregnancy test and the clinical test are reassuring. A single line on a pregnancy test typically indicates that you are not pregnant, especially if the test is taken correctly and at the right time. However, if there is still doubt, it may be wise to wait a few days and retest, or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

As for the use of menstrual induction medication, it can vary in effectiveness from person to person. Generally, if the medication is effective, you might expect your period to start within a few days after taking it. However, the exact timing can be unpredictable, and some women may experience a delay even after taking such medication.

In summary, while the delay in menstruation can be concerning, it is likely influenced by the use of emergency contraception and the existing irregularities in your girlfriend's menstrual cycle. The negative pregnancy tests are a good sign, but if her period does not arrive soon or if she experiences significant discomfort, it would be advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider. They can provide more personalized insights and possibly conduct further tests to rule out any underlying issues.
In the meantime, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and keeping track of menstrual cycles can help in understanding and managing menstrual health better. If irregularities persist, seeking a gynecological evaluation may be beneficial for long-term management and understanding of her menstrual health.

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