Is It Normal Not to Get Your Period After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

Emergency contraceptive pill

I took an emergency contraceptive pill on July 25th.
I read online that my period should arrive within a week or that I might experience some bleeding, but as of today, I still haven't had my period or any bleeding.
Doctor, is this normal? (My last menstrual period was from July 11 to July 16.)

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/30

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills do not necessarily cause bleeding.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/07/30

More Info

Taking emergency contraception can indeed affect your menstrual cycle, and it's not uncommon for women to experience changes in their periods after using these medications. Emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), work primarily by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization. However, they can also lead to hormonal fluctuations that may alter the timing of your next period.

In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive on July 25 and your last menstrual period was from July 11 to July 16, it is possible that the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive could delay your next period. It is generally expected that your period should arrive within a week or so after taking the pill, but this is not a strict rule. Some women may experience a delay of several days or even weeks, especially if they have irregular cycles to begin with.

If you do not get your period within three weeks of taking the emergency contraceptive, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives are not 100% effective, and if ovulation has already occurred before taking the pill, there is still a chance of pregnancy. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and any further steps you might need to take.

In addition to the potential for delayed menstruation, some women may experience side effects from emergency contraception, including nausea, fatigue, headache, or breast tenderness. These side effects are usually temporary and should resolve within a few days.

To summarize, it is not unusual for your period to be delayed after taking emergency contraception. However, if you have concerns or if your period does not return within a reasonable timeframe, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Similar Q&A

Is It Normal to Miss Your Period After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

It is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be irregular after taking emergency contraception. Experiencing some bleeding a week after taking the pill can occur, but if you have not had your period for over a month, it may be advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnanc...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effects of emergency contraception on menstruation can vary; it may cause your period to come earlier or later. Its contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. However, it is still considered a good backup method. If you are unsure whether...

Understanding Delayed Periods After Emergency Contraceptive Use

I took an emergency contraceptive pill on the night of May 14th (we used a condom, but it broke midway; I replaced it immediately after realizing it). However, I still haven't gotten my period, and usually, I get my period 4-5 days after taking the emergency contraceptive pi...

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Regarding your concerns, here is a summary of the response: The specific type of emergency contraceptive pill you have taken still needs to be clarified. Generally, taking emergency contraceptive pills as soon as possible after the incident provides significant protection. Howeve...

Is It Normal Not to Get Your Period After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

If I took emergency contraception on June 11 and my period hasn't arrived by June 23, is that normal?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effects of emergency contraceptive pills on menstruation can vary; they may cause your period to come early or late. Additionally, their contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late. Thank you...

Will Your Period Come After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Hello, I would like to ask if menstruation will still occur in the same month after taking emergency contraception?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if you take emergency contraception and do not become pregnant, your menstrual period should still occur that month, although it may come earlier or later than usual. Therefore, if your period is more than a week late, you should take a pregnancy test. Thank you! Wishing y...