Missed Period After Emergency Contraceptive: Pregnancy Concerns Explained

After intimate contact, I took a pregnancy test after my period was due, but my menstruation has not arrived?

I engaged in intimate activities with my girlfriend where she helped me, and I helped her.
I am concerned that during the process, accidental contact with bodily fluids could lead to pregnancy.
However, I can confirm that after I ejaculated, we stopped the intimate activities, so there was no significant exposure to semen.
I took emergency contraception three days after the sexual encounter.
Seventeen days after the encounter, I took a pregnancy test (which was also the third day after my girlfriend's expected period), and it showed one line.
Now, it has been 25 days since the sexual encounter and 10 days since her period was due.
My girlfriend usually has a regular menstrual cycle, but this time it has been delayed by 10 days.
Could she be pregnant, or could the emergency contraception be causing such a significant delay in her period?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/13

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effects of emergency contraceptive pills on menstruation can vary; it 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! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2023/06/13

More Info

When it comes to missed periods after taking emergency contraception, there are several factors to consider. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B or Ella, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or stopping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. However, they can also cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle.

In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill three days after the sexual encounter. It is important to note that ECPs can lead to changes in the timing of the next menstrual period. Some women may experience their period earlier, while others may have a delayed period. It is not uncommon for the menstrual cycle to be disrupted after taking ECPs, especially if the pill was taken close to the time of ovulation.

Given that your girlfriend's period is now ten days late, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of pregnancy. However, the negative pregnancy test you obtained 17 days after the sexual encounter is a reassuring sign. Most home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine, which typically becomes detectable about a week after a missed period. Since you tested on the third day of the missed period and received a negative result, it is likely that she is not pregnant.

That said, there are a few reasons why her period may be delayed:
1. Hormonal Changes: The emergency contraceptive pill can cause hormonal fluctuations that may delay ovulation or alter the menstrual cycle. This is a common side effect and can result in a late period.

2. Stress and Anxiety: The stress of worrying about a potential pregnancy can also impact the menstrual cycle. Emotional and psychological factors can lead to hormonal changes that may delay menstruation.

3. Other Health Factors: Illness, changes in weight, travel, or other lifestyle changes can also affect the menstrual cycle.

4. Timing of Ovulation: If your girlfriend's cycle was disrupted or if she ovulated later than usual, this could also result in a delayed period.

If her period does not arrive soon, it may be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a more sensitive blood test for pregnancy and evaluate any other potential causes for the missed period. Additionally, if she continues to experience irregularities in her menstrual cycle, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be completely ruled out until a definitive test is done, the negative result you received and the timing of the emergency contraceptive pill suggest that the missed period is more likely due to the hormonal effects of the pill rather than pregnancy. Encourage your girlfriend to monitor her symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if her period does not return or if she has any concerns about her health.

Similar Q&A

Impact of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Menstrual Cycle Delay

On June 1st, during the safe period, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, and he ejaculated inside me. I took the emergency contraceptive pill on the same day. My period was expected to arrive on June 6th, but it has not come yet. I would like to know if taking the em...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after your most recent sexual intercourse. 2. After taking emergency contraception, the amount of menstrual flow is usually not affected. However, if ...

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...

Missed Period After Emergency Contraceptive: Am I Pregnant?

Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle is usually around 34 days, and each period lasts about 5 days. The last two menstrual periods were as follows: 12/31 to 01/04 and 02/03 to 02/07. My next expected period should have been on 03/08. I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on 03/2...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, menstruation will definitely be affected, which may result in either an earlier or delayed period. It is recommended to wait one to two weeks before taking a pregnancy test.

Understanding Missed Periods: Causes and Concerns for Women

Hello, doctor. On December 19, I had unprotected intercourse. I had been taking birth control pills for over a week, but I was still concerned, so I bought emergency contraception the next day. I experienced some bleeding two to three days after taking it, about the amount of one...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Please wait another week, and if your period still hasn't arrived, I recommend seeing a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.