Can Emergency Contraceptive Pills Delay Your Period? Pregnancy Concerns Explained

Will emergency contraception cause irregular menstruation, and does this mean pregnancy is possible?

Hello, Doctor: On June 22, I had intimate contact with my boyfriend during my ovulation period (with the glans rubbing against my vulva, no penetration).
After taking emergency contraception that day, I experienced five days of bleeding starting June 29.
I took a pregnancy test on July 21, which was negative.
On July 7 and July 29, I may have touched my vulva and vaginal opening with fingers that had pre-ejaculate on them (without inserting into the vagina).
The pregnancy test on July 21 was still negative.
However, my period, which was expected at the end of July or early August, has not arrived as of August 10.
I would like to ask the doctor two questions: 1.
Could the emergency contraception taken at the end of June cause a delay in my period that was due at the end of July or early August? I am very concerned that the touching on July 7 and July 29 could lead to pregnancy.
2.
Is it accurate to take a pregnancy test 14 days after intimate contact around noon? Are there any considerations for using urine collected at noon (as opposed to first morning urine)? Thank you for your hard work, Doctor!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/09

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
A negative pregnancy test indicates that you are likely not pregnant.
You may wait another week, and if your period still hasn't arrived, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/09

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They contain hormones that can delay ovulation, interfere with fertilization, or prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. One common concern among women who take ECPs is whether these pills can affect their menstrual cycle, particularly if they experience a delay in their period after taking the medication.

To address your first question: Yes, taking emergency contraceptive pills can potentially cause a delay in your menstrual period. ECPs, especially those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, can disrupt your hormonal balance temporarily. This disruption can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, including delayed periods. It’s important to note that while some women may experience an earlier or later onset of their period after taking ECPs, others may have their cycle remain unaffected. The timing of your next period can also be influenced by various factors, including stress, changes in weight, and underlying health conditions.

In your case, since you took the ECP on June 22 and experienced bleeding from June 29 for five days, this bleeding could be a side effect of the ECP rather than your regular menstrual period. The bleeding is often referred to as "withdrawal bleeding," which can occur after taking hormonal contraceptives. The fact that your period was delayed until August 10 could be attributed to the hormonal changes induced by the ECP.

Regarding your second question about the accuracy of a pregnancy test taken 14 days after potential conception: Generally, home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Testing 14 days after potential conception is typically considered a reliable timeframe for detecting pregnancy. However, it is essential to follow the instructions on the test kit carefully.
As for the timing of the test, while morning urine is often recommended because it tends to have the highest concentration of hCG, testing at other times of the day can still yield accurate results. If you choose to test at noon, ensure that you have not urinated for a few hours prior to the test to increase the concentration of hCG in your urine.
If you continue to experience a delay in your period beyond a week after the expected date, or if you have any concerns about potential pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer further testing and guidance based on your specific situation.

In summary, ECPs can indeed delay your period, and testing for pregnancy 14 days after potential conception is generally reliable. If you have any lingering concerns or symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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