How Long Will Your Period Be Delayed After Taking Emergency Contraception?

How long can emergency contraception delay menstruation?

I had my menstrual period from September 8 to September 16.
On September 17, I had sexual intercourse with my partner, during which the condom slipped off.
We noticed it immediately, stopped, and removed the condom.
Concerned about pregnancy, I took emergency contraception on the night of September 17.
On the night of September 18, I experienced some bleeding.
Could you please advise when I can expect my next menstrual period? If my period does not arrive, when should I start worrying about the possibility of pregnancy?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/18

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%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/10/18

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception, it's important to understand how it can affect your menstrual cycle. After taking emergency contraception, such as Plan B or similar medications, your next period may be delayed or altered. This is due to the hormonal changes that the medication induces in your body.

In your case, you had your menstrual period from September 8 to September 16 and then had unprotected intercourse on September 17, after which you took emergency contraception the same day. The bleeding you experienced on September 18 could be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill, which can cause spotting or breakthrough bleeding in some women.
Typically, after taking emergency contraception, your next period may come earlier or later than expected. Most women will get their period within a week of when they expect it, but it can be delayed by a few days to a week or even longer in some cases. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
The hormonal content in emergency contraceptive pills can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, which is why it’s not uncommon for women to experience changes in their cycle after taking these medications. Some women may find that their next period is lighter or heavier than usual, or they may experience more cramping or discomfort.

If you do not get your period within three weeks after taking the emergency contraception, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, you should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your options. 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 explore other potential reasons for the delay.

In summary, after taking emergency contraception, it is normal for your menstrual cycle to be affected, and your next period may be delayed. If your period is more than a week late, consider taking a pregnancy test. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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