Missed Period After Birth Control: Possible Causes and Next Steps

After stopping the use of oral contraceptives, if menstruation does not occur?

Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for about a year and a half.
My last natural menstrual period was a year and a half ago (during which I took Diane-35 or other medications to induce menstruation).
The last time I took Diane-35 was in September 2019, after which I did not take it again.
I had a natural menstrual period on December 21, and the next one was on February 17, which was also natural.
Here are the main points I would like to discuss with you:
On February 17, my menstrual period started.
On February 19, I took the first pill of Diane-35.
On March 7, I attempted to have sexual intercourse with my boyfriend (it was our first time), but it was not successful (there was some penetration, about 2-3 cm).
On March 10, I took the last pill of Diane-35 (the 21st pill).
I took the pills consistently every day (there were a few times I forgot to take them at the same time, but I took them within 2 hours of the usual time).
In the past, I usually got my period four days after stopping the medication, but today is the fifth day after stopping, and I still have not gotten my period.
I would like to ask you:
1.
Is it possible that I am pregnant?
2.
What could be the reasons for not getting my period after finishing the contraceptive pills?
3.
If I still do not get my period in two days, should I go to a gynecologist for an examination?
Thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low; observation is sufficient.
If your period does not arrive after another week, it is recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/03/15

More Info

It sounds like you have a lot on your mind regarding your menstrual cycle and the potential for pregnancy after using birth control. Let's break down your questions and concerns.

1. Could you be pregnant?
Given that you had unprotected intercourse, even if it was brief, there is a possibility of pregnancy. The effectiveness of birth control pills like Diane (Diane-35) is very high when taken correctly, but no method is 100% effective. If you missed a pill or took it late, this could reduce its effectiveness. Since you mentioned that you have been consistent with taking the pills, the chances of pregnancy are lower, but not impossible.

2. Reasons for a missed period after stopping birth control:
There are several reasons why you might not have your period after stopping the pill:
- Hormonal Imbalance: After long-term use of birth control pills, your body may take some time to readjust to its natural hormonal cycle. This can lead to irregular periods or missed periods.

- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can affect your menstrual cycle. If you’ve been under stress, this could be a contributing factor.

- Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain can also impact your menstrual cycle.

- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Since you mentioned being diagnosed with PCOS, this condition can lead to irregular periods and may be a significant factor in your situation.

- Pregnancy: As mentioned earlier, if there was any chance of sperm reaching the egg, pregnancy could be a possibility.

3. Next steps if your period doesn’t arrive:
If your period does not start within a few days, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally reliable and can give you a good indication of whether or not you are pregnant. If the test is negative and your period still does not come, it would be advisable to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. They can perform a more sensitive pregnancy test and evaluate your hormonal levels to determine the underlying cause of your missed period.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy, there are also several other factors that could explain your missed period. Monitoring your body and being aware of any other symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions moving forward. If you have any further concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

Similar Q&A

Impact of Missed Birth Control Pills on Menstrual Cycle Timing

If you have been taking birth control pills for an extended period and then forget to take them, resulting in an early onset of your menstrual period, the timing of your next menstrual period may vary. It could return to the original schedule or may be affected by the early perio...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
What you need is not medical advice but a refresher on sexual health knowledge. For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Adolescent Co...

Missed Period After Birth Control: What You Need to Know

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I started taking birth control pills (Kiryana) for the first time at the end of September, taking a 21-pill pack. The main reason I wanted to take birth control pills was to try having unprotected sex with my boyfriend. After fin...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraception, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, lesions of the uterus or cervix, infections, ovulation...

Missed Period After Birth Control: What You Need to Know

Three days after taking the contraceptive pill, I experienced bleeding (on 9/27). Initially, the test showed a faint pink line, but after two weeks, the test only showed one line, and my period still hasn't arrived. QAQ

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If your period has not arrived, it may be due to irregular menstruation. It is advisable to seek medical examination at Taoyuan Hospital. Sincerely, Dr. Lu Li-Cheng.

Understanding Abnormal Menstrual Changes After Birth Control Use

I have been taking birth control pills for over four years. My last menstrual period was normal, but this time I forgot to buy new pills, so I mixed two types of previously missed pills. I miscalculated the timing and stopped taking the pills a week before I was supposed to. Afte...

Dr. Mao Yikun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The biggest concern with birth control pills is forgetting to take them, which can lead to irregular bleeding and reduced contraceptive effectiveness. Therefore, I suggest you take a pregnancy test to check if you are pregnant. If the result is negative, you can continue t...