Does Taking Menstrual Delay Pills Affect Ovulation and Next Period?

Will taking emergency contraception affect the next ovulation and the subsequent menstrual period?

Hello Doctor, my last menstrual period started on August 20, and my usual cycle is fairly regular, around 27 to 28 days.
I took menstrual delay medication three days before my trip from September 18 to September 21, taking two pills a day, with the last pill taken on the night of September 20.
During the trip, I had unprotected intercourse on September 19 and 20, and my period started on the evening of September 21.
I would like to know if the next menstrual cycle is counted from this day as the first day? Will the next ovulation period also start two weeks from this day? Additionally, on September 27, while I still had a little bleeding, I had unprotected external intercourse with my boyfriend.
According to the app, my next period is expected to start on October 19, but as of October 22, I have not experienced any symptoms.
I am unsure about the possibility of pregnancy.
Interestingly, during the week of September 29 to October 3, I noticed a small amount of blood every time I used the restroom.
I would appreciate your help in clarifying these concerns.
Thank you.

Miss Luo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the first day of your last menstrual period is considered the starting point, and the chances of pregnancy should be low.
If you are unsure, taking a pregnancy test will confirm whether you are pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/10/22

More Info

Taking menstrual delay pills can indeed affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation. These pills, often containing hormones like progesterone, are designed to postpone your period by altering the hormonal signals that regulate your menstrual cycle. When you take these pills, they can prevent ovulation from occurring during the time you are taking them, depending on the timing and dosage.

In your case, you started taking the pills three days before your planned activity, and you took the last pill on September 20. Your period began on September 21, which is considered the first day of your menstrual cycle. The next cycle typically starts from the first day of your period, so you would count from September 21 for your next cycle. If your cycles are usually around 27-28 days, you can expect your next period to start around October 18-19.

Regarding ovulation, it usually occurs about 14 days before your next period starts. So, if your next period is expected around October 19, you would likely ovulate around October 5. However, since you took the menstrual delay pills, your body might not follow the usual pattern, and ovulation could be delayed or altered.

You mentioned having unprotected intercourse on September 27, while still experiencing light bleeding. This could be a sign of several things, including the effects of the delay pills, residual bleeding from your period, or even implantation bleeding if conception occurred. The light bleeding you observed from September 29 to October 3 could be related to hormonal changes due to the pills or could indicate something else, such as ovulation spotting or an early sign of pregnancy.

As for the possibility of pregnancy, if you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window (which can be tricky to determine after taking hormonal pills), there is a chance of conception. Since you are now past your expected period date (October 19) and have not experienced any symptoms of menstruation, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period.

In summary, taking menstrual delay pills can disrupt your normal cycle and ovulation patterns. Your next period is counted from September 21, and ovulation would typically occur around October 5, but this may not apply due to the hormonal influence of the pills. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or any unusual bleeding, consulting with a healthcare provider would be beneficial for personalized advice and further evaluation.

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