Can Emergency Contraceptive Pills Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

Could it be due to the side effects of taking birth control pills?

Your question: The last day of my menstrual period was February 7.
During intercourse with my boyfriend, the condom was accidentally left inside me.
I promptly expelled it and took emergency contraception within an hour.
My expected ovulation date was February 15, and my next menstrual period was anticipated on March 1.
However, I have recently been experiencing urethritis starting from February 17, along with premenstrual symptoms (breast tenderness, bloating), but my period seems to be delayed.
Could this be due to the side effects of the emergency contraception? Also, my period shouldn't come this early, right? Can I take medication for urethritis? I would like to know if taking emergency contraception will affect my menstrual cycle.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation, so just monitor the situation.
You can still take medication for urinary tract infections.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/02/22

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can indeed affect your menstrual cycle, and it's important to understand how they work and what side effects they may cause. ECPs, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, which means they can alter the timing of your menstrual cycle.

In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive pill within an hour after the incident on February 7, it is likely that the pill was effective in preventing ovulation. However, ECPs can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including:
1. Timing of Your Period: ECPs can cause your next period to arrive earlier or later than expected. If your cycle is typically regular, you might notice a shift in the timing of your period after taking the pill. In your situation, since your next expected period was around March 1, it is possible that the ECP could cause it to come earlier or later.

2. Flow and Symptoms: Some women experience changes in the flow of their menstrual period after taking ECPs. This could mean a lighter or heavier flow than usual, as well as changes in premenstrual symptoms. The breast tenderness and bloating you are experiencing could be related to hormonal fluctuations caused by the ECP.

3. Pregnancy Testing: If your period is significantly delayed (more than a week after your expected date), it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, as ECPs are not 100% effective.

Regarding your urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, it is generally safe to take medications for a UTI while on ECPs. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that the specific medication you plan to take is appropriate for your situation, especially since you are experiencing other symptoms that could be related to hormonal changes.

In summary, taking emergency contraceptive pills can indeed affect your menstrual cycle, potentially causing changes in timing, flow, and associated symptoms. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or the symptoms you are experiencing, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

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Hello, the chances are low, but emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. Wishing you good health.

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Hello, sometimes emergency contraceptive pills can affect your menstrual cycle. If you still haven't gotten your period after a week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.