How Soon After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Will My Period Start?

Q: How Soon After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Will My Period Start?

Hello： (1) Current pregnancy tests are very sensitive and can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception, so testing in early August would yield results. <br>(2) Taking emergency contraceptive pills can disrupt hormone levels in the body, leading to a significant chanc

After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, how long does it take for menstruation to occur?

I had intercourse on July 19, and the condom broke.
I took the emergency contraceptive pill less than two hours after the incident.
My last menstrual period started on June 25, and I usually have a cycle of about 30 days.
Will my period be delayed after taking the pill? What is the likelihood of me being pregnant? When should I take a pregnancy test?

Tang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/21

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: (1) Current pregnancy tests are very sensitive and can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception, so testing in early August would yield results.
(2) Taking emergency contraceptive pills can disrupt hormone levels in the body, leading to a significant chance of menstrual irregularities, which may result in prolonged or intermittent uterine bleeding for one to two months.
If this occurs, it is important to seek treatment to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2015/07/21

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception, it's important to understand how it works and what to expect afterward. After taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B or Ella, your menstrual cycle may be affected. Generally, ECPs work primarily by delaying ovulation, which helps prevent pregnancy if taken shortly after unprotected intercourse.
In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive within two hours of the condom breaking, you have taken the right step to reduce the risk of pregnancy. The effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, and they can be up to 89% effective if taken within 72 hours, depending on the type of pill used.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, after taking ECPs, it's common for your next period to be delayed, earlier, or even lighter than usual. Since you mentioned that your last period started on June 25 and you typically have a 30-day cycle, your next period would be expected around July 25. However, because you took the emergency contraceptive, it could arrive earlier or later than that date.
If your period does not arrive within a week of the expected date, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. Most home pregnancy tests are accurate about a week after a missed period, which would be around the beginning of August in your case. If you test positive, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

As for the likelihood of pregnancy, since you took the emergency contraceptive promptly after the incident, the chances of becoming pregnant are significantly reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, so it is always wise to monitor your body and take appropriate steps if your period is significantly delayed.

In summary, after taking emergency contraception, be prepared for possible changes in your menstrual cycle. Monitor your cycle closely, and if your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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