Missed Period: Could It Be Pregnancy After Emergency Contraception?

Missed menstruation?

Can I ask the doctor, I got my period on January 6 and it ended on the 10th.
That night, I had intercourse with my boyfriend and he ejaculated a little inside.
The next evening, I took the morning-after pill.
After that, I had bleeding until January 14.
I took a pregnancy test on February 7 and it was negative, and another test on February 16 was also negative.
However, my period still hasn't arrived, and I don't have any other pregnancy symptoms.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant? Does taking the morning-after pill cause a delay in my period?

Du, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/18

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 earlier or later.
Additionally, their contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
However, they are still considered a good backup method.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a physician to check for pregnancy or other reasons.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2024/02/18

More Info

When it comes to missed periods and the possibility of pregnancy after taking emergency contraception, there are several factors to consider. Based on your timeline, you had your last menstrual period starting on January 6 and ending on January 10. You engaged in sexual intercourse on January 10, and your partner ejaculated inside you. The next day, you took emergency contraception (EC), which is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours. However, it can still be effective up to five days after intercourse, although its efficacy decreases over time. The most common form of emergency contraception is the levonorgestrel pill, which works primarily by delaying ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, EC may not be effective.

You experienced some bleeding from January 10 to January 14, which could be a side effect of the emergency contraception. It is not uncommon for EC to cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including irregular bleeding or spotting. This bleeding can sometimes be mistaken for a period, but it may not be a true menstrual period.

You mentioned that you took pregnancy tests on February 7 and February 16, both of which were negative. Generally, home pregnancy tests are quite accurate when used correctly, especially if taken after a missed period. Since your period was expected around early February and has not arrived, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.

It is important to note that emergency contraception can cause a delay in your menstrual cycle. Some women may experience a late period after taking EC, while others may have their period arrive earlier or experience irregular bleeding. The hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraception can lead to variations in the timing of ovulation and menstruation.

Given that you have had two negative pregnancy tests and no other symptoms of pregnancy (such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue), the likelihood of being pregnant is low. However, if your period does not arrive within a week or so, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend a blood test to measure the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone produced during pregnancy and can provide a more definitive answer.

In summary, while it is possible for your period to be delayed after taking emergency contraception, the negative pregnancy tests suggest that pregnancy is unlikely. If you continue to have concerns or if your period does not arrive soon, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step to ensure your health and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Missed Period After Emergency Contraceptive: Am I Pregnant?

If your girlfriend had unprotected intercourse during her safe period on October 9th but did not ejaculate inside, and she took emergency contraception more than 24 hours later, it is possible that her menstrual cycle may be delayed. Her expected period was on the 15th, and since...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if it doesn't arrive in another week, I recommend seeing a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

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...

Pregnancy Concerns: Delayed Period After Taking Emergency Contraceptive

If you had unprotected intercourse on April 21 and took emergency contraception, but your period is now a week late in May, it is possible that you could be pregnant. However, there are other factors that could also cause a delayed period, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if you suspect you are pregnant, you can take a pregnancy test. Wishing you good health.

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.