Emergency Contraception: Effects on Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy test questions?

The woman had her menstrual period from May 12 to 17, engaged in sexual intercourse on June 7, and took emergency contraception on June 8.
She is inquiring about the potential delay in her next menstrual period due to taking the emergency contraceptive pill.
It has been a week since she took the emergency contraception, and she is currently experiencing menstrual cramps and breast tenderness, which she is wondering if these are signs that her period is approaching.
Additionally, she has cold symptoms and is asking if this could affect the efficacy of the emergency contraception, noting that she has not taken any cold medication but has been taking traditional Chinese medicine to regulate her menstrual cycle.
She also wants to know how long after taking the emergency contraception she should wait to take a pregnancy test.

Could you please provide guidance on these concerns? Thank you!

Ni Ke, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/16

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effects of emergency contraceptive pills on menstruation can vary; they may cause your period to come earlier or later.
Additionally, their contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination.
It is recommended that if your period is more than a week late, you should check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2019/06/16

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Understanding its effects on the menstrual cycle and pregnancy testing is crucial for individuals who may need to use it.

When a woman takes emergency contraception, such as Plan B or Ella, it can indeed affect her menstrual cycle. The timing of the next period can vary significantly. Generally, after taking emergency contraception, a woman's next menstrual period may be delayed by a few days to a week. However, some women may experience their period earlier than expected. The hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive can lead to variations in the menstrual cycle, including changes in flow and duration.
In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive on June 8 after having unprotected sex on June 7, it is possible that your next period, which is expected around mid-June, may be delayed. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as menstrual cramps and breast tenderness, are common premenstrual symptoms and could indicate that your period is approaching. However, these symptoms can also be influenced by the hormonal changes from the emergency contraception.

Regarding your question about the impact of a cold on the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive, it is important to note that common colds or mild illnesses do not affect the efficacy of emergency contraception. The active ingredients in these medications work to prevent ovulation or fertilization, and they are not influenced by minor health issues. However, if you are taking any herbal remedies or traditional medicines to treat your cold, it is wise to consult with a healthcare provider. Some herbal products can interact with medications, potentially affecting their efficacy.

As for pregnancy testing, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks after taking emergency contraception to take a pregnancy test. This timeframe allows for accurate detection of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine, which is produced if pregnancy has occurred. Testing too early may result in a false negative, as the hormone levels may not be high enough to detect.

In summary, taking emergency contraception can lead to a delay in your next menstrual period, and the symptoms you are experiencing may be related to this hormonal change. A cold will not affect the medication's effectiveness, but be cautious with any additional medications or herbal treatments. For the most reliable results, wait two weeks after taking the emergency contraceptive to take a pregnancy test. If you have further concerns or if your period is significantly delayed beyond a week, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Menstrual Cycles

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Without proper contraception, there is a possibility of pregnancy. A pregnancy test can be taken two weeks after sexual intercourse. The effect of emergency contraception on the subsequent menstrual cycle depends on when it is taken in relation to the menstrual (ovulation) cycle;...

Does Emergency Contraception Affect Pregnancy Test Results?

Hello Dr. Jan, I have a few questions to ask you: 1. Is it true that a pregnancy test is generally taken 10-14 days after sexual intercourse? 2. If emergency contraception is taken, will it affect the results of a pregnancy test? For example, if my period was from September 19...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Pregnancy tests should be conducted when menstruation is due but has not yet arrived. 2. No, it will not. 3. It may not be detectable. 4. Emergency contraceptive pills are intended for short-term use, so they do not have long-term effects; however, some individuals may e...

Does Emergency Contraceptive Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

On February 28, unprotected intercourse occurred. Since it was about 25 hours before ovulation, I took emergency contraception the next day. My normal menstrual period is expected on March 15 (it has been regular before). Will taking emergency contraception affect my menstrual cy...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On February 28, unprotected intercourse occurred. Since it was the day before ovulation, the next day, approximately 25 hours later, emergency contraception was taken. The expected menstrual period should be on March 15 (previous cycles have been regular). 1. Does taking emerge...

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effects on Menstrual Cycle and Bleeding

If my girlfriend's period is already two days late and the condom broke today, will taking emergency contraception affect her menstrual cycle? Additionally, how can we determine if any bleeding is due to her period or a side effect of the medication? Thank you.

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause abnormal bleeding. It is advisable to observe for a while. You can take a pregnancy test 12 days after unprotected intercourse to determine if you are pregnant. Wishing you good health.