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What Causes Delayed Periods After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Question: Hello Sir/Ma'am.... I am a 24years old female. 25th of may, i nd my fiance had unprotected intercourse which lead me to take ipil twice within the month ( previously i had taken i pill in d mnth of may). 26th may i had my normal periods. Again from 6th XXXXXXX bleeding started and it was another period. I thought it was normal side effect of i pill.. But after that its past my periods date and i have not had a period yet. What should i do? I m confused and tensed. M i pregnant? Or my periods date has changed? Please help me with proper suggestions and solution asap. Please.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This is a side effect of the pill.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing to us.

Emergency contraceptive pills contain high dose of hormone and thus create hormonal imbalances. This leads to withdrawal bleeding such as the one you saw soon after taking the pill. The normal period also gets delayed by a week or two after intake of the pill.

You are amply protected if you take the pill within the stipulated time after the intercourse. This is more so, if the intercourse happens during the safe period of the cycle, which in itself is a natural protection.

Since you have taken two pills in the same cycle, your hormonal milieu would be grossly disturbed and this may have resulted in the cycle disturbance. As you have had a period on the 6th of XXXXXXX you are not likely to see another period now even if you are due for your normal period by dates. You should wait for about 10-14 days after a period is due before seeking help from a specialist.

In future, please restrict the use of emergency pills to only a couple of times a year as the hormonal imbalances induced could harm the fertility. Instead, use some form of regular contraception.

Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (27 minutes later)
Thank you so much for answering my question ma'am. I have few more questions to u. Firstly how long i should wait before seeing a specialist? If u can give me any approximate dste then i would be very greatful. Secondly me and my fianc, we want to continue the intercourses as we will get married after 2 years. So my question to you is can i avoid unwanted pregnancy till then by using birth control pills? Is it safe? And if i can use then if you would suggest any proper pills then it would be helpfull. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can use oral pills.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing again.

You should see a specialist about ten days after your expected date, if you do not get a period in between. For example, if your expected date is on the 26th, you can wait up to the 6th of the next month.

If you wish to remain sexually active, I would suggest going for low dose oral pills as they have lesser side effects. You can ask for a prescription as you see the specialist.

Hope I have answered your query. Please contact if you need any more information. I will be ready to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shanti Vennam

OBGYN

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 7667 Questions

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What Causes Delayed Periods After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Brief Answer: This is a side effect of the pill. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us. Emergency contraceptive pills contain high dose of hormone and thus create hormonal imbalances. This leads to withdrawal bleeding such as the one you saw soon after taking the pill. The normal period also gets delayed by a week or two after intake of the pill. You are amply protected if you take the pill within the stipulated time after the intercourse. This is more so, if the intercourse happens during the safe period of the cycle, which in itself is a natural protection. Since you have taken two pills in the same cycle, your hormonal milieu would be grossly disturbed and this may have resulted in the cycle disturbance. As you have had a period on the 6th of XXXXXXX you are not likely to see another period now even if you are due for your normal period by dates. You should wait for about 10-14 days after a period is due before seeking help from a specialist. In future, please restrict the use of emergency pills to only a couple of times a year as the hormonal imbalances induced could harm the fertility. Instead, use some form of regular contraception. Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help. regards, Shanti.V.