Emergency Contraception: What to Do If Your Partner's Period Is Delayed

Regarding emergency contraception?

Doctor: My girlfriend got her period around December 24th last year.
After her period ended, we impulsively had intercourse without using contraception.
So, we went to the pharmacy and bought emergency contraception in early January.
About a week after taking it, her period came early.
Now it's January 30th, and her period still hasn't arrived! What should I do?

Zhuó jí de rén, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/01/30

Dr. Lin Zhaopei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The advantages of emergency contraceptive pills are their convenience and effectiveness.
However, a downside is that they can cause irregular menstruation.
The menstrual cycle at the beginning of January can be considered a period, and it is normal not to have a period by January 30.
However, if there was sexual intercourse after the beginning of January, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.
It is recommended to purchase a pregnancy test kit from a pharmacy to check.

Reply Date: 2007/01/30

More Info

When it comes to understanding emergency contraception and the implications of a delayed menstrual cycle after its use, it's important to consider several factors. First, let's clarify what emergency contraception (EC) is. EC is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. The most common forms of EC are hormonal pills, often referred to as "morning-after pills," which can be taken within a few days after unprotected sex.

In your case, your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after the incident in early January. It's not uncommon for hormonal contraceptives, including emergency contraception, to cause changes in the menstrual cycle. This can include earlier or later periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or even missed periods altogether. The hormonal fluctuations caused by the pill can disrupt the regular cycle, leading to uncertainty about when the next period will occur.

Given that your girlfriend's period is delayed as of January 30, there are a few steps you can take:
1. Wait a Little Longer: Hormonal changes can take time to stabilize. It's often recommended to wait at least a week or two after the expected date of the period before taking further action.

2. Take a Pregnancy Test: If her period does not arrive within a week or so, it would be prudent for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally reliable and can provide peace of mind. If the test is positive, she should consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Regardless of the pregnancy test result, if there are concerns about her menstrual cycle or if she experiences unusual symptoms (such as severe pain or heavy bleeding), it's advisable to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can offer insights into her situation and discuss any necessary follow-up.

4. Understand the Effects of Emergency Contraception: It's essential to understand that while emergency contraception is effective in preventing pregnancy, it is not 100% guaranteed. Additionally, it is not intended for regular use and can cause temporary disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

5. Discuss Future Contraceptive Options: If you and your girlfriend are sexually active, it may be beneficial to discuss and establish a regular contraceptive method to prevent future instances of unprotected intercourse. Options include birth control pills, condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other methods that can provide ongoing protection.

In summary, a delayed period after taking emergency contraception can be a common occurrence due to hormonal changes. Waiting a bit longer, taking a pregnancy test, and consulting with a healthcare provider are the best steps to take in this situation. Open communication with your partner about these concerns is also crucial, as it can help both of you navigate this situation together.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Delayed Periods After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills

If your girlfriend's period was expected on the 18th but did not arrive, and she had unprotected intercourse that day, followed by taking emergency contraception on the 19th, it is possible that her period may be delayed due to the use of the emergency contraceptive pill. Em...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. It is best to use preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Emergency Contraception: Effectiveness and Menstrual Delay Concerns

Having intercourse with your boyfriend on the day of ovulation, even without ejaculation, poses a risk of pregnancy, especially if the condom slipped down to the glans and did not fully come off. Taking the emergency contraceptive pill, Ella, shortly after the incident can signif...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
What you need is not medical advice but rather a refresher on sexual education credits. For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology's "Ad...

Understanding Delayed Menstruation After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Hello Doctor, on November 14, 2015, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, and we used a condom. However, on the morning of November 15, we discovered that the condom had multiple holes. That morning, we immediately bought emergency contraception and took it. My period came ...

Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of hormones, which can cause menstrual irregularities in some individuals. It is advisable to purchase a home pregnancy test from a pharmacy to check for pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy and menstruation has not occurred for ove...

Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Pregnancy Concerns and Menstrual Cycle Effects

Your menstrual cycle is 24 days long. You had intercourse with your boyfriend on July 15th while using a condom, but it seems that some semen may have leaked out. Your boyfriend took emergency contraception (Ella) within an hour after intercourse. Since then, you have not experie...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation. It is best to use preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.