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What can cause delayed periods despite taking an I-pill?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My LMP (last menstrual period) was one and a half months ago. I had protected intercourse last month, and for the safer side, I took an unwanted 72 in two hours. I had my TVS (transvaginal sonography) scan done, and as per the report, no dominant follicle was found, and there was no fluid in the POD (pouch of Douglas). I wanted to know if there is any chance of pregnancy now. What does my TVS scan report indicate? Also, it has been eight days since I had a pill, and I have had no periods. Do I need to take any pregnancy tests? When can I expect my period? Also, does this pill work on any day of the cycle after intercourse?

Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Khushbu Chaudhari

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Khushbu is a compassionate specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on women’s health across all life stages. She has expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, fertility issues, and preventive gynecological care. Dr. Husenali is committed to providing supportive, evidence-based treatment that empowers women to make informed health decisions with confidence and comfort.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Using protection significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy, especially if there are no issues like a condom breaking. Taking the pill within two hours of intercourse gives it a very high success rate (about 95 to 98 percent). It works by preventing or delaying ovulation, reducing the chance of fertilization. TVS (transvaginal sonography) shows no dominant follicle, which indicates you were likely not in your fertile window; no fluid in POD (pouch of Douglas) suggests no ovulation or follicle rupture, which further reduces pregnancy risk.

Considering protection, emergency contraception, and ultrasound results, the chances of pregnancy are extremely low. Emergency contraceptives contain a high dose of hormones that can temporarily disrupt your menstrual cycle, leading to delayed periods. The delay can vary, often lasting a few days to over a week. If your period has not started by seven days past your expected date, take a home pregnancy test. Use the first urine of the morning for the most accurate result. If you are still worried or experiencing unusual symptoms, consult here to get proper guidance.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much for your detailed explanation. Can you please suggest a pill which I can take now so that my periods come early. Because I have to travel to abroad and can not come to India for three months. Can you please suggest me something if periods do not come in this week?

Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Khushbu Chaudhari

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Khushbu is a compassionate specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on women’s health across all life stages. She has expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, fertility issues, and preventive gynecological care. Dr. Husenali is committed to providing supportive, evidence-based treatment that empowers women to make informed health decisions with confidence and comfort.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your situation.

But there are no such medicines that can induce periods within a week so it is better to wait. If no period by then, confirm with a pregnancy test and consult again. After consultation, take a progesterone withdrawal pill. If your periods still do not come and you travel abroad, consult a local gynecologist there for follow-up care.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 17, 2025
Reviewed At February 19, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Khushbu is a compassionate specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on women’s health across all life stages. She has expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, fertility issues, and preventive gynecological care. Dr. Husenali is committed to providing supportive, evidence-based treatment that empowers women to make informed health decisions with confidence and comfort.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Khushbu is a compassionate specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on women’s health across all life stages. She has expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, fertility issues, and preventive gynecological care. Dr. Husenali is committed to providing supportive, evidence-based treatment that empowers women to make informed health decisions with confidence and comfort.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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