Delayed Menstruation After Taking Emergency Contraceptives

Taking menstrual induction medication for delayed menstruation?

Hello, doctor.
I had a miscarriage in September of last year, and since then, my menstrual cycle has been irregular, with two periods occurring each month until April of this year, when my cycle returned to normal, with one period per month (my period in April was from April 11 to April 17).
However, my period in May was delayed.
On May 13, I took emergency contraception, and on May 18, I visited a gynecologist for an examination (pregnancy test = negative; ultrasound = follicle observed).
The doctor also prescribed me medication to induce menstruation, which I have completed.
I would like to ask if the delay in my period is due to taking emergency contraception or if there are other reasons for the delay.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy?

Liangliang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/20

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Emergency contraceptive pills can cause irregularities in the subsequent menstrual cycle, with the duration varying from person to person.

Reply Date: 2020/05/20

More Info

Delayed menstruation after taking emergency contraceptives can be a common concern for many women, especially after experiencing changes in menstrual cycles due to various factors such as pregnancy loss or hormonal fluctuations. In your case, it seems that you have experienced irregular menstrual cycles following a miscarriage, which can be quite normal as your body adjusts back to its regular hormonal balance.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as those you took on May 13, can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. ECPs work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. The hormones in these pills can lead to changes in the timing of your next period. It is not uncommon for women to experience a delay in their menstrual cycle after taking ECPs, and this delay can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks.

In your situation, since you had a normal menstrual cycle in April (from April 11 to April 17) and then took the emergency contraceptive in May, it is possible that the ECP contributed to the delay in your May menstruation. However, other factors could also be at play, such as the hormonal changes following your miscarriage, stress, changes in weight, or other health-related issues.

Regarding your concern about pregnancy, since you took the emergency contraceptive within a few days after unprotected intercourse, it is designed to significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy. The negative pregnancy test and the ultrasound showing a developing follicle further support that you are likely not pregnant at this time. However, it is important to note that ECPs are not 100% effective, and if you have any doubts or experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

If your period does not arrive within a week or so after the expected date, it would be wise to take another pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. If the test is negative and your period still does not come, it may be beneficial to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss your menstrual irregularities and explore any underlying issues that may need to be addressed.

In summary, the delay in your menstruation could be attributed to the emergency contraceptive you took, especially considering your recent history of irregular cycles. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure your reproductive health is managed effectively.

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