I took an I-pill after sex & my period is late. What can I do?

Question

Hello doctor,

My partner and I generally have an intimate relationship two to three times a week, but we are not planning for a baby. So, I took the pill and I had a period cycle, then in the next month, my periods were 10 days late.

I could not know whether it was due to stress, or I had lost conceiving, or it was my period.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

i-pill (Levonorgestrel) is an emergency contraceptive that can disturb your menstrual cycle for one to two months. Your period delay by 10 days could be a result of that hormonal disturbance.

If you took the i-pill within 72 hours after unprotected sex, it is very effective, over 97 percent, so pregnancy is unlikely. However, if you had unprotected intercourse again later in the last month, protection from the i-pill would not carry over.

Stress, illness, weight change, or travel can also delay periods, so yes, stress could be a contributing factor.

I suggest you do the following:

Take a urine pregnancy test again, and the morning sample gives the best accuracy.
If negative and still no periods after seven days, repeat the test after four days.
If both tests are negative, it is most likely a hormonal delay from the i-pill.
If your period does not come within three to four weeks after the expected date, check your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and prolactin levels.

Since you are sexually active two to three times a week and not planning for pregnancy, consider a regular contraceptive method instead of repeated i-pill. which include a combined oral contraceptive pill, are taken daily, and condoms. They also prevent infections.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.