Why Am I Still Missing My Period After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

I took menstrual induction medication, but my period still hasn't arrived!


My menstrual cycle has always been regular and on time, and I have not engaged in sexual intercourse.
My last period was on February 3, with a cycle length of 28 to 32 days.
Around early March, I noticed dark brown discharge that lasted for about ten days, after which it changed to clear discharge.
I saw a doctor around March 20, and an ultrasound showed everything was normal.
I took medication on March 26.
However, as of today, April 5, my menstrual cycle still hasn't started.
What could be the issue? Thank you! Additionally, I have another question...
Do sperm die when the semen dries?

Nan de yi chang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/05

Dr. Dai Qihan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello: You can return to the clinic to consult with the physician about your condition, as it is unclear what medications you are taking.
Additionally, the lifespan of sperm is approximately 24 hours, but it can vary depending on environmental factors or the motility of the sperm itself, such as temperature and humidity.

Reply Date: 2005/04/05

More Info


It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating and concerning situation regarding your menstrual cycle. Let's break down your question about why you might still be missing your period after taking menstrual induction pills, and I'll also address your question about sperm viability.

Firstly, it's important to understand that menstrual induction pills, often containing hormones like progesterone or estrogen, are used to help regulate or induce a menstrual period. However, several factors can influence their effectiveness and the timing of your period.

1. Hormonal Imbalance: Even if you have a history of regular cycles, various factors can lead to temporary hormonal imbalances. Stress, changes in weight, exercise habits, or underlying health conditions (like polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid disorders) can disrupt your hormonal balance and delay your period.

2. Timing of the Medication: The timing of when you take the menstrual induction pills can also affect when you will get your period. If the pills were taken too early or too late in your cycle, it might not trigger a period as expected. Typically, these medications are taken after a certain point in the cycle, and it may take a few days to a week for the effects to manifest.

3. Response to Medication: Every individual responds differently to hormonal medications. Some may experience a delayed response, while others may not respond at all. If your body is not reacting to the medication as anticipated, it could lead to a missed period.

4. Underlying Conditions: Since you mentioned that you had a normal ultrasound, it’s less likely that there are structural issues, but hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction can still be present without obvious ultrasound findings. These conditions can cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle.

5. Pregnancy: Although you mentioned no sexual activity, it’s important to rule out pregnancy as a cause of missed periods. If there’s any chance of exposure, a pregnancy test can provide clarity.

Given that you have not had a period since taking the medication, I recommend following up with your healthcare provider. They may suggest further evaluation, such as blood tests to check hormone levels, to determine the underlying cause of your missed period.

Now, regarding your second question about sperm viability: Sperm can survive outside the body for a short period, but once the semen dries, the sperm within it typically die. Sperm need a moist environment to remain viable, and exposure to air and drying conditions can quickly lead to their death. Therefore, if semen has dried, it is unlikely that any sperm present would still be alive.

In summary, the absence of your period after taking menstrual induction pills could be due to hormonal imbalances, the timing of the medication, individual response to the medication, or underlying health conditions. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management. Additionally, sperm do not survive once the semen has dried, so there is no risk of pregnancy from dried semen.

Similar Q&A

Missed Period After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills: What to Do?

Last month, my period was significantly delayed. After taking medication to induce menstruation, it started on the 19th. However, this month it still hasn't arrived (today is the 27th).


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

[Read More] Missed Period After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills: What to Do?


Why Your Period Might Be Delayed After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills

The doctor tested me for pregnancy, and there were no signs of pregnancy. I took the medication to induce menstruation, and today is the fifth day with no signs of my period. My breasts and abdomen feel uncomfortable. Should I take the medication to induce menstruation again?


Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It has been five days since I took the menstrual induction medication, and there are still no signs of my period. My breasts and abdomen feel uncomfortable. Should I take the menstrual induction medication again? Answer: Wait another five days.

[Read More] Why Your Period Might Be Delayed After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills


Missed Period After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills: What to Do Next?

If your menstruation has been delayed for three weeks and you have taken medication to induce your period (for three days) but still have not menstruated after a week, it is advisable to visit a larger hospital for further evaluation. It is important to determine the underlying c...


Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Hormonal medications (including contraceptives) have different usage methods depending on their intended purpose. 2. If a transvaginal ultrasound is not performed to confirm endometrial thickness, there is often a failure to induce menstruation. 3. It is recommended to wait fo...

[Read More] Missed Period After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills: What to Do Next?


Why Your Period Might Be Late After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills

*The average menstrual cycle is about 34 days. After having protected intercourse at the end of February, my period started on March 3. Due to a delay in my menstrual cycle, I visited a gynecologist on April 20. The doctor mentioned that since my period came after intercourse, th...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if the bleeding is confirmed to be menstruation, then there is no pregnancy. Typically, menstruation will occur within 10 days after taking menstrual induction medication. There are many factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause intermenstrual bleeding, such as ...

[Read More] Why Your Period Might Be Late After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills


Related FAQ

Medication To Induce Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication To Delay Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Delayed Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Abnormalities

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Period

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Oral Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Regulation Medication

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Cramps

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Premenstrual Syndrome

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abortion Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)