How to Use Oral Contraceptives When Your Period Is Delayed

How to use oral contraceptive pills when menstruation is missed?

Hello, doctor.
I haven't had my period for 2-3 months.
I had unprotected intercourse on June 29 and took emergency contraception within 48 hours, but my period still hasn't come after a few days.
Can I start taking preemptive oral contraceptives to regulate my cycle? If my period doesn't come, under what circumstances would it be better to start taking preemptive oral contraceptives? Additionally, I would like to know if this situation makes it easier to become pregnant.

lijjenmakes, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/04

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear lijjenmakes,
It is recommended to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist first to confirm your pregnancy status.
After the examination, you can discuss the appropriate medication options with your doctor.
Dr.
Huang Zifei from Nantou Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reply Date: 2022/07/04

More Info

When dealing with a delayed menstrual period, especially after having unprotected intercourse, it’s essential to approach the situation with caution and a clear understanding of how oral contraceptives work. In your case, since you mentioned that your period has been absent for 2-3 months and you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") within 48 hours of unprotected sex, here are some important considerations:
1. Understanding Delayed Periods: A delayed period can be caused by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, weight changes, or pregnancy. Since you have taken emergency contraception, it’s important to note that this medication can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle, including delays.

2. Starting Regular Oral Contraceptives: If your period is delayed and you are considering starting regular oral contraceptives (the "birth control pill"), it is generally recommended to take a pregnancy test first. This is crucial because if you are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives is not advisable. You should wait until you have a confirmed negative pregnancy test before starting the pill.

3. When to Start the Pill: If you confirm that you are not pregnant, you can start taking the oral contraceptive pills at any time. However, starting the pill during your period is often recommended for immediate contraceptive protection. If you start the pill at another time in your cycle, you may need to use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days to ensure you are protected against pregnancy.

4. Risk of Pregnancy: Given that you had unprotected intercourse and your period is delayed, there is a possibility of pregnancy. If you have not had a period for 2-3 months, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for a blood test to confirm whether you are pregnant. If the test is negative and you are not experiencing any other concerning symptoms, you can proceed with starting the birth control pill.

5. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider regarding your specific situation. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status. They may also want to investigate the reasons behind your delayed periods, especially if this is a recurring issue.

6. Monitoring Your Cycle: Once you start taking oral contraceptives, keep track of your menstrual cycle. It may take a few months for your body to adjust to the hormones in the pill, and your periods may become more regular over time.

In summary, before starting oral contraceptives, confirm that you are not pregnant with a pregnancy test. If negative, you can start the pill at any time, but be aware of the need for additional contraception initially. If your periods continue to be irregular or absent, seek further evaluation from a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

Similar Q&A

How to Use Birth Control Pills to Delay Your Period Effectively

Hello! I am currently taking oral contraceptives, and since I am planning to go on a trip, I would like to delay my period. I understand that I can use the birth control pills to postpone my period. Should I continue taking the new pack of 21 pills right after finishing the curre...

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Anonymous, You can use oral contraceptive pills to delay your period. You can stop taking the pills whenever you want to start your menstruation. Therefore, you can either finish all 21 pills or take them until the days you wish to delay your period. Dr. Huang Tzu-Fei, D...

Can You Take Birth Control Pills to Delay Your Period?

Can I take the emergency contraceptive pill (like Ella) during a non-menstrual period? I have plans to travel on July 13 and 15, and my expected menstrual period may coincide with those dates, so I would like to delay my period. My last menstrual period was from June 2, and my cy...

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear An-An, It is possible to take oral contraceptives to delay your period during menstruation; however, a small percentage of individuals may experience a failure in delaying their period, and there will be no contraceptive effect during that cycle. Remember to use condoms wh...

How to Delay Your Period: Tips and Medication Options

To delay your menstrual period for your upcoming trip next month, you can start taking medication now, as you are currently on the third day of your period. It is generally recommended to begin taking the medication a few days before your expected period starts. You can obtain th...

Dr. Zhou Dali reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, Chiao Chiao: The medication to delay menstruation is progesterone. However, it must be prescribed by a physician during a hospital visit. If you need this service, you can go to the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic for further explanation. Obstetrics and Gynecol...

Using Birth Control Pills to Delay Menstruation: A Guide for Travelers

Hello, doctor. I will be traveling abroad from April 1 to April 16 and plan to go swimming, so I would like to use birth control pills to delay my period. My menstrual cycle is usually quite regular, approximately 30 days, with the first day of my last period being March 15. The ...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. In principle, you should continue taking the medication Yojie from April 11 to April 15. If you still have concerns, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a booster. 2. Therefore, for the 28-day medication, you can start taking it again on the 5th day of your menstrual cycle. 3...