Delayed Menstruation After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Emergency contraceptive pill

My menstrual period in May was from May 4 to May 10.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on May 9, and at the end, I discovered that the condom had broken and semen had entered.
I took emergency contraception (Plan B) within an hour after the incident.
My period came from May 13 to May 15, lasting three days, with a relatively heavy flow on the 13th, but it was brown in color.

If my June period were to be normal, it should have started on June 1, but today is June 18 and my period has not arrived.
I have had multiple sexual encounters in the meantime, did not take any regular birth control pills, but used condoms that did not break.
I took home pregnancy tests both the day before yesterday and last Friday, and both showed one line.
In the past week or two, I have also been staying up very late.
I would like to ask the doctor: Is it possible that my missed period in June is due to taking emergency contraception and having an irregular sleep schedule? Is there still a chance of pregnancy? Should I wait to see if my period arrives soon, or should I seek medical attention directly?

Xiao Y, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/18

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation.
If your period does not arrive after another week, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/06/18

More Info

Understanding delayed menstruation after using emergency contraception can be quite complex, as several factors can influence the menstrual cycle. In your case, you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") shortly after an incident where the condom broke. This medication is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, and it can affect your menstrual cycle in various ways.

Firstly, it's important to note that emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. After taking ECPs, some women may experience an earlier or later onset of their next period. In your situation, you had a withdrawal bleed (which can occur after taking ECPs) from May 13 to May 15, which was relatively soon after taking the medication. This bleeding can sometimes be lighter or different in color (like brown) compared to your usual menstrual flow, as it may not be a true menstrual period but rather a response to the hormonal changes induced by the ECP.

Now, regarding your missed period in June, it is indeed possible that the emergency contraception you took, combined with factors such as stress, irregular sleep patterns, and changes in your routine, could contribute to a delay in your menstrual cycle. Stress and lifestyle factors can significantly impact hormonal balance, leading to irregularities in menstruation.
As for the possibility of pregnancy, since you have taken two home pregnancy tests that returned negative results, it is less likely that you are pregnant, especially if they were taken after the expected date of your period. However, no test is 100% accurate, and false negatives can occur, particularly if the test is taken too early.
Given that your period is now significantly delayed (more than two weeks past the expected date), it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a more sensitive pregnancy test and evaluate other potential causes for your delayed menstruation. Conditions such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, or other underlying health concerns could also be factors.

In summary, while the emergency contraception and lifestyle factors could explain your delayed menstruation, the best course of action is to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can provide a thorough evaluation, rule out pregnancy, and help you understand any other potential reasons for your missed period. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to reproductive health.

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