Missed Period: Symptoms and What to Expect

Menstruation has not yet arrived?

Hello, doctor.
I experienced a condom break on February 17 and immediately took emergency contraceptive pills.
My last menstrual period started on January 23, but as of today, February 27, my period still hasn't arrived.
However, I am experiencing lower abdominal discomfort and breast swelling.
Does this mean my period is coming soon?

Yii, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/27

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
However, it is still considered a method of last resort.
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: 2024/02/27

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of uncertainty and concern regarding your missed period and the symptoms you're experiencing. Let's break down your situation and provide some clarity.

First, it's important to understand that a missed period can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and of course, pregnancy. Given that you had an incident with a broken condom on February 17 and took emergency contraception immediately afterward, this is a significant factor to consider. Emergency contraception can affect your menstrual cycle, often leading to a delay in your next period.
You mentioned that your last menstrual period started on January 23, and now it's February 27 with no sign of menstruation. This is a notable delay, especially if your cycles are typically regular. The symptoms you're experiencing—lower abdominal discomfort and breast tenderness—can indeed be indicative of an impending period, but they can also be associated with other conditions, including hormonal fluctuations due to the emergency contraception you took.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can cause side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in your menstrual cycle. It's not uncommon for women to experience a delay in their period after taking ECPs, sometimes by a week or more. In some cases, the next period may be lighter or heavier than usual, or it may come with different symptoms than what you typically experience.

Given that you are experiencing symptoms that could suggest your period is on its way, it’s possible that your body is just adjusting after the use of emergency contraception. However, since your period is already late, it would be prudent to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially since you had unprotected intercourse. Most home pregnancy tests are quite accurate if taken at least a week after your missed period. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while your symptoms could indicate that your period is approaching, the delay could also be a result of the emergency contraception you took. It’s essential to monitor your symptoms and consider taking a pregnancy test if your period does not arrive soon. If you continue to have concerns or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a good step to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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