Could Pregnancy Be the Reason for My Missed Period?

Could it be that my period is late because I am pregnant?

Hello, doctor.
My menstrual cycle averages between 28 to 35 days.
I had my period from June 19 to June 27, then from July 25 to July 30, and again from August 9 to August 14.
On August 13, I visited a gynecologist who said my irregular bleeding on August 9 was due to taking emergency contraception.
I was prescribed a 12-day course of Estrogen-Progestin pills, with instructions to take one pill daily and not to use emergency contraception during this period.
I was told that my actual period would come after completing the 12 days.
However, during those 12 days, I had sexual intercourse, sometimes using condoms and sometimes not, with external ejaculation.
I also missed taking the pills for two days.
Now that I've finished the medication, my period still hasn't arrived.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy, and should I expect my period to come in September?

Xie xie y, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/01

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2020/09/01

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy as a reason for a missed period, several factors must be taken into account, especially given your recent history with hormonal medications and sexual activity.
Firstly, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives, such as emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), can affect your menstrual cycle. ECPs can cause temporary disruptions in your cycle, leading to irregular bleeding or missed periods. After taking ECPs, it is common for your next period to be delayed or altered in flow and duration. In your case, since you took ECPs and were prescribed a hormonal medication (Estrogen), this could have contributed to the irregularities you are experiencing.

You mentioned that you had sexual intercourse during the time you were taking the hormonal medication, and there were instances where condoms were not used, which raises the question of potential pregnancy. The effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, but they are not 100% effective. If you had unprotected sex after taking the ECPs, there is still a possibility of pregnancy, albeit reduced.

Given that you have experienced a missed period after completing the hormonal medication, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test (HPT) if you have not already done so. HPTs are generally reliable and can detect pregnancy as early as the first day of your missed period. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, it may be wise to wait a few more days and retest or consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In addition to pregnancy, other factors could contribute to a missed period, including stress, changes in weight, excessive exercise, or underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. If your menstrual irregularities persist or if you have other concerning symptoms (like severe pain or unusual discharge), it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation.

In summary, while pregnancy could be a reason for your missed period, the hormonal medications you have taken and the irregularities in your cycle also play significant roles. Taking a pregnancy test and consulting with your healthcare provider will help clarify your situation and guide you on the next steps. It's essential to monitor your body and seek medical advice if you have any concerns regarding your reproductive health.

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