Can Unwanted 72 delay periods?

Question

Hi doctor,

I took an emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. Specifically, I took it again after three days and experienced withdrawal bleeding four days later. However, I am now one week overdue from my expected period date. What should be my next course of action? Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

If you have taken the emergency contraceptive pill within the last five days (120 hours) and experienced withdrawal bleeding, it is plausible that the delay in your period could be attributed to the contraceptive's effects. It is worth noting that the emergency contraceptive pill can occasionally postpone your menstrual cycle, as it might inhibit the timely release of an egg. However, if your period is more than one week overdue, pregnancy remains a possibility. To ascertain whether you are pregnant, I recommend taking a pregnancy test. You can obtain a test kit from a pharmacy, or online sources, or consult your healthcare provider for a more conclusive test. Should the test yield a positive result, your healthcare provider will guide you through subsequent steps, potentially including further evaluations to determine the pregnancy's viability. In the event of a negative pregnancy test and persistent symptoms like delayed periods or irregular spotting, consulting your healthcare provider is advisable. They may suggest additional evaluations, such as hormone level assessments, ultrasound imaging, or other diagnostic measures, to identify potential underlying causes.

Please take care and prioritize seeking medical advice for personalized guidance. If you have any clarifications, doubts, additional questions, or follow-up inquiries, please feel free to ask again at the icliniq website.

Thank you.