Menstrual Irregularities After Emergency Contraception

Menstrual issues

My girlfriend had her period on January 28, which is usually regular.
We had sexual intercourse on February 5, using a condom and with external ejaculation, but she also took emergency contraception.
On February 11, she experienced some spotting.
The last time I consulted a doctor, I was informed that this could be due to the emergency contraception.
I would like to ask if her period will come around the 28th of this month, or if it will be delayed to the 11th instead?

Jimmy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/25

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, due to taking emergency contraceptive pills, your menstrual cycle may be irregular for a while.
Just monitor the situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/02/25

More Info

Menstrual irregularities after taking emergency contraception (EC) are a common concern for many women. In your girlfriend's case, she had her last menstrual period on January 28 and engaged in sexual activity on February 5, during which she used a condom and practiced withdrawal. However, she also took emergency contraception shortly after.
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, can cause changes in the menstrual cycle. These changes may include earlier or later onset of the next period, as well as spotting or breakthrough bleeding, which is what she experienced on February 11. This spotting is often a side effect of the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive pill.

Regarding your question about whether she will have her period around February 28 or if it will be delayed until March 11, it is important to note that the timing of her next period can be affected by the emergency contraception. Generally, after taking ECPs, some women may experience their next period on time, while others may have a delay of a few days to a week.
The menstrual cycle can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, changes in weight, and overall health. Since your girlfriend's menstrual cycle has been regular prior to this incident, it is possible that her cycle may be temporarily disrupted due to the emergency contraception.
If her period does not arrive by the expected date, it is advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially since no contraceptive method is 100% effective. If the test is negative and her period still does not come, or if she has any concerns about her menstrual cycle or health, she should consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while it is difficult to predict the exact timing of her next period after taking emergency contraception, it is not uncommon for it to be delayed or altered. Monitoring her symptoms and being aware of any significant changes will be important in managing her reproductive health. If there are any concerns, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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