Does Taking Two Emergency Contraceptive Pills Delay Your Period?

Taking emergency contraceptive pills twice in a row can lead to a delay in your menstrual period?

Hello, I previously asked a question: I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on September 24 and October 1.
On September 24, it was just when my period was ending, and I thought my period had finished, so we engaged in intercourse.
However, I realized the next day that it hadn't completely stopped.
To be safe, I took emergency contraception (my boyfriend did not ejaculate during either encounter).
On October 1, we had intercourse again, and I took emergency contraception a second time.
Today is October 15, and I usually experience breast tenderness a week before my period, but I haven't had that symptom this time.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant? Today is October 25, and my period still hasn't arrived.
Could taking emergency contraception twice cause a delay in my period? Actually, I experienced bleeding when I took the emergency contraception (both times, with the second time lasting 3-4 days), but I'm not sure if that was my period.

Kai'er, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/25

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The delayed menstruation may be due to taking emergency contraceptive pills twice, which can cause irregular periods.
The likelihood of pregnancy is low, but it is recommended to take a pregnancy test for confirmation.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/25

More Info

Taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can indeed affect your menstrual cycle, and it is not uncommon for them to cause a delay in your period. ECPs, such as Plan B or Ella, work primarily by preventing ovulation, and they can also alter the uterine lining, which may lead to changes in your menstrual cycle.

When you take ECPs, especially if taken more than once in a short period, it can disrupt your hormonal balance. This disruption can lead to various outcomes, including changes in the timing of your next period. Some women may experience an earlier period, while others may find that their period is delayed. In your case, since you took ECPs on two separate occasions, it is possible that this has contributed to the delay you are experiencing.

The bleeding you experienced after taking the ECPs could be a side effect known as withdrawal bleeding, which is not the same as your regular menstrual period. This bleeding can occur due to the hormonal changes induced by the pills. It is often lighter and shorter than a typical menstrual period. Since you mentioned that you had bleeding for 3-4 days after taking the second dose, it is possible that this was the withdrawal bleeding rather than your actual period.

Given that you typically experience breast tenderness about a week before your period, the absence of this symptom could also indicate hormonal fluctuations due to the ECPs. However, it is important to note that the absence of typical premenstrual symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant, especially if you have taken ECPs.

If your period does not arrive within a week or so, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. ECPs are not 100% effective, and while the chances of pregnancy are low, they are not zero, especially if unprotected intercourse occurred close to your ovulation window.

In summary, taking emergency contraceptive pills can lead to a delay in your menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. The bleeding you experienced after taking the pills may not be your regular period. If your period does not arrive soon, consider taking a pregnancy test for peace of mind. If you have further concerns or if your period remains absent, consulting with a healthcare provider would be a prudent step to ensure your reproductive health is managed appropriately.

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