Delayed Menstruation After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Menstruation is delayed after taking emergency contraception?

Hello, doctor.
I had my period on March 19 and April 21, so it seems to be regular.
On April 25, I had unprotected intercourse while still on my period.
On May 10, I started with intercourse but put on a condom halfway through.
Then, on May 22, I experienced external ejaculation but noticed a lot of bleeding, which I thought was my period, but it didn't come.
On April 23 at 2 AM, there was another instance of unprotected intercourse, and again, I bled a lot.
The next day, I took emergency contraception, and there was some blood resembling menstrual blood on the pad, but the amount was very small.
When can I take a pregnancy test or see a doctor? What is the likelihood of pregnancy? This month has been quite stressful, and I have been using inhaled medication for asthma that contains some steroids.
I wonder if that could be related to my delayed period.
Thank you, doctor.

Xinxin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/26

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should be possible to take a pregnancy test now, and the chances of being pregnant are likely low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/26

More Info

Understanding delayed menstruation after using emergency contraceptives can be complex, as various factors can influence menstrual cycles. Based on your timeline, it appears that you have had a series of sexual encounters and have used emergency contraception, which can significantly impact your menstrual cycle.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, which can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle. It’s not uncommon for women to experience irregularities in their periods after taking ECPs, including delayed menstruation, lighter or heavier bleeding, or even spotting.

From your account, you had your last menstrual period on April 21, and after a series of sexual encounters, you took emergency contraception on April 23. The bleeding you experienced after taking the emergency contraceptive could be a side effect of the medication, which can cause withdrawal bleeding or spotting. This bleeding may not necessarily indicate the start of your next menstrual cycle, especially if it was lighter than usual.

Regarding your question about when to take a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait at least one week after the expected date of your next period to ensure accurate results. Since your menstrual cycle appears to have been disrupted, you might want to wait until you are at least a week late for your period to take a home pregnancy test. If you receive a negative result but still do not get your period, consider testing again a few days later or consulting with a healthcare provider.

As for the stress you mentioned, it is well-documented that stress can affect menstrual cycles. High levels of stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that may delay ovulation and, consequently, menstruation. Additionally, the use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma management can also influence your menstrual cycle, although this effect is generally less pronounced than that of stress or emergency contraception.

If you continue to experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle or have concerns about potential pregnancy, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a pregnancy test and evaluate your situation more thoroughly, considering your medical history, current medications, and any other factors that may be affecting your menstrual health.

In summary, the delayed menstruation you are experiencing could be attributed to the use of emergency contraception, stress, or other factors such as medication. It is advisable to wait until you are at least a week late for your period before taking a pregnancy test, and if you have ongoing concerns, seeking medical advice would be beneficial.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Delayed Periods After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills

If your girlfriend's period was expected on the 18th but did not arrive, and she had unprotected intercourse that day, followed by taking emergency contraception on the 19th, it is possible that her period may be delayed due to the use of the emergency contraceptive pill. Em...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. It is best to use preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Delayed Menstruation After Taking Emergency Contraceptives

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 t...

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.

Why Your Period Might Be Delayed After Taking Emergency Contraceptive

Hello, doctor. I apologize for coming back to ask another question, but I am really anxious. On the night of February 27, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend (no condom and no ejaculation inside). About four hours later, I took the second-generation emergency contrace...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Taking emergency contraceptive pills may not necessarily cause bleeding; just monitor the situation. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Hello Doctor: I took the emergency contraceptive pill on September 4th (within 12 hours). After that, I did not experience any significant side effects or discomfort, and my menstrual period arrived on time on September 11th. I also took a pregnancy test at the end of September, ...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Angela: Taking emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes affect your next menstrual cycle, but it could also be due to high stress levels or other factors causing ovulation irregularities, leading to a delayed period. It should not be a significant concern. This situation...