Missed Period After Emergency Contraceptive: What to Expect?

Post-coital contraception: No menstruation has occurred?

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on the night of December 24th, but it was through withdrawal.
The next morning, she took emergency contraception.
However, we had sexual intercourse again for the next two nights, also using withdrawal and did not take any additional emergency contraception.
After that, my girlfriend experienced some discomfort and slight pain in her lower abdomen.
If her menstrual cycle is regular, she should have gotten her period around January 1st to January 3rd, but it still hasn't arrived.
Could this be related to the emergency contraception? How long might it take for her period to come? Since this is our first time being intimate, we are a bit worried.
Are there any other remedial measures we can take?

yohu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/06

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If you are concerned about pregnancy, you can take a pregnancy test for confirmation.
If you continue to experience abdominal pain, please seek medical attention.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lyu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/01/06

More Info

When it comes to missed periods after taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), there are several factors to consider. Based on your description, it seems that your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after having unprotected intercourse, which is a responsible step to prevent unintended pregnancy. However, it’s important to understand how ECPs work and what effects they may have on the menstrual cycle.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, are designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization when taken within a specific time frame after unprotected intercourse. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident. In your case, since your girlfriend took the pill the morning after, she acted promptly.

However, ECPs can cause temporary hormonal changes in the body, which may lead to alterations in the menstrual cycle. It is not uncommon for women to experience a delay in their period after taking emergency contraception. The hormonal fluctuations can result in symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or cramping, which your girlfriend is experiencing. These symptoms can be a normal response to the hormonal changes induced by the ECP.

Regarding the timing of her period, it is important to note that while many women will have their period within a week of when they expect it, some may experience delays of a few days or even longer. If her menstrual cycle is typically regular, a delay of a few days to a week can be expected. However, if her period is significantly delayed (more than a week), it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable and can provide results as early as the first day of a missed period.

If the test is negative and her period still does not arrive, it may be beneficial for her to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide further evaluation and reassurance, as well as discuss any other potential causes for the missed period, such as stress, changes in weight, or other health issues.

In terms of additional measures, if your girlfriend is feeling anxious about the situation, it may help to engage in stress-reducing activities together, such as light exercise, relaxation techniques, or simply talking about her feelings. It's also important to maintain open communication between both of you during this time, as anxiety can exacerbate the situation.

In summary, while it is possible that the missed period is related to the emergency contraceptive pill, it is also important to monitor her symptoms and consider taking a pregnancy test if her period does not arrive soon. If there are any concerns or if her symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a good course of action.

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