HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologymenstrual irregularityWhy are my periods delayed after taking I-pill?

Is it imperative for me to get a home pregnancy test?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Reetika

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 6, 2021
Reviewed AtSeptember 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have thyroid, which means irregular periods and irregular hormone levels. I had unprotected sex when I was having white discharge, which meant my periods were about to come. I took the I-pill within 14 hours, and today is the 10th day after that, and apart from the usual pre-period symptoms (which are tender breasts, bloating, mood swings), I have not gotten my periods yet. Is it imperative for me to get a home pregnancy test or should I get it done from a lab, or should I just wait?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

For getting pregnant, the sperms have to be ejaculated inside the vagina of the female. These sperm then need to fertilize an egg. The fertilized egg then needs to be implanted in the uterus of the female. In your case, seeing whether the penetration was complete or half is not important. It is more important if the guy had an ejaculation or sufficient precum, which can lead to pregnancy. Secondly, since you were expecting periods due to the white discharge, you were less likely to have an egg available at this time. However, it cannot be denied completely that the egg was not available. So above two conditions do have a possibility of you getting pregnant, but since you took an emergency contraceptive pill in time, the possibility of pregnancy is really less now. The emergency contraceptive pills are hormone-based, and they have this known side effect of delaying periods in certain females, so do not worry. Since you are experiencing pre-period signs, I recommend that you wait for five days. It is too early for a pregnancy test to come positive even if you are pregnant, although it is very rare that you may get pregnant. So wait for five days, and if you do not get periods, then you can take a urine pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the detailed response doctor.

As for the ejaculation, he did not do it definitely, and for the precum, both of us are not sure, since that is not something he could control, we cannot really rule that out. But yes, I do understand the overall chances of pregnancy are really less. I am curious, how would white discharge mean less likely for availability of an egg? Apart from that, I do have hypothyroidism, do you think taking hormones from the pill might have worsened the hormonal imbalance already there because of the hypothyroidism? Is there anything I can do to make sure my periods arrive in time, which as you suggested, should be in five days?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I do understand that nothing much can be done about precum as it is the moment of passion. Yes, white discharge can be indicative of that but it has to be examined clinically like the periodicity of discharge, any other accompanying problems like itching, etc. What is your thyroid level and which medicine are you taking? However, I do agree that medication can cause additional complications. As far as achieving regular periods is concerned, for that you need to achieve a healthy weight, do brisk walking, no aerated drinks, no fatty food, etc. Do not worry you are fine and there is nothing to panic. Please share the details for further assessment so that I can help you better.

Thank you.

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

Dr. Reetika
Dr. Reetika

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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