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My period is late after taking the morning after pill

By Anonymous February 12, 2011 - 5:12am
 
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Alright, this is all new to me. This is my only source, i cant go to the doctor because im only 17, and i always go to the doctor with my mum. If i went without her she would be suspicious, and ask a million questions. Plus, she doesnt even know i've had sex. I really need help.
On January 2, my boyfriend and i had sex unprotected for the first time ever, i was quite literally shocked and scared. The next morning i took the morning after pill - this was my first ever time taking it. About 4 - 5 days later i started bleeding which lasted about 4 days, (i also got cramping, which i have never before experienced with a period). My period date is usually between the 19 - 23rd of the month, in December my period came as usual. Only, its now the 12th of February and there is no sign of a period. Im starting to really stress. I have taken a home pregnancy test, in which came back negative. But the stress is starting to take over me. i cant sleep at night, this is all i can think about, plus im not eating properly. Please help me to atleast feel reassured.

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had unprotected sex a day after my last period and the next day I took emergency contraceptive about a week later I had some spotting and it went away after a day it wasn’t my period. My period was due 5 days ago and it still hasn’t arrived am I pregnant or is the pill and stress just delaying my period ?

October 3, 2018 - 10:01am
HERWriter Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anon
Thank you for your post!
Emergency contraceptives are up to 95% effective when taken as prescribed within the first 24 hours and up to 90% effective if taken within 72 hours, so the risk is very small. It works by preventing ovulation and stopping a pregnancy from starting. It is not an abortion pill. It prevents a pregnancy, it does not end one. Side effects can include stomach aches, headaches, dizziness, breast pain, nausea and a general feeling of being unwell. Some women can bleed a little or quite extensively after taking emergency contraception. Some women experience few to no side-effects. Side effects, of lack of, are not an indication one way or another whether the medication will work.
The more frequently they are taken, the more likely a woman is to have side effects and an irregular cycle. They should be taken only for emergencies, not used as a method of birth control.
Side effects usually start 2-7 days after taking the medication and may or may not include bleeding or spotting. Not all women get symptoms. Some get many, or a few, or none. If a woman doesn’t get her next period within a week of it’s expected date, a pregnancy test may be necessary, although the risk is very low. Periods can often be delayed or longer/shorter as a result of taking emergency contraception. We cannot predict this for our readers in terms of length of delays. Each woman is different. Periods should get back to normal by the second cycle after.
Best,
Susan

March 20, 2019 - 4:37am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Had sex 11 says before my period. Took lenovelle within the 24 hours of intercourse a week has gone pass and no period my expected period is due in 1 day. Should i be worried that my period hasnt come earlier because levonelle is supposed to make it early

September 25, 2018 - 3:11pm
HERWriter Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anon

Levonelle is an emergency contraception pill - it does not necessarily cause an early period although it can for some women.

Emergency contraceptives are up to 95% effective when taken as prescribed within the first 24 hours and up to 90% effective if taken within 72 hours, so the risk is very small. It works by preventing ovulation and stopping a pregnancy from starting. It is not an abortion pill. It prevents a pregnancy, it does not end one. Side effects can include stomach aches, headaches, dizziness, breast pain, nausea and a general feeling of being unwell. Some women can bleed a little or quite extensively after taking emergency contraception.
The more frequently they are taken, the more likely a woman is to have side effects and an irregular cycle. They should be taken only for emergencies, not used as a method of birth control.
Side effects usually start 2-7 days after taking the medication and may or may not include bleeding or spotting. Not all women get symptoms. Some get many, or a few, or none. If a woman doesn’t get her next period within a week of it’s expected date, a pregnancy test may be necessary although the risk is very low. Periods can often be delayed or longer/shorter as a result of taking emergency contraception. We cannot predict this for our readers in terms of length of delays. Each woman is different. Periods should get back to normal by the second cycle after.

Best,
Susan

September 25, 2018 - 5:23pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to SusanC)

hi, i had unprotected sex on the 7th of march, i took levonelle 18 hours later. i took a pregnancy test 8 days later- negative and another the day after - negative. the last time i took the morning after pill i had bleeding after 5ish days. my period usually comes around the 22nd-23rd if each month. im scared that i had sex near my ovulation (9th ish) and that may effect it. I've started having my normal period signs (backache and light cramps sometimes), but still no period (20th march), i have cloudy discharge when i wipe after i urinate sometimes... whats going on? could i be pregnant? im only 18...

March 20, 2019 - 4:32am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi,
I had sex with my boyfriend 5 days before I was expecting my period. Unfortountely the condom broke whilst having sex. I am currently taking birth control (zoely) which I take it everyday around the same time range. To be extra safe we decided that I should take the morning after pill. The day after I bought escapelle and took it right away. 14 hours passed since having sex and taking the pill so I should be fine because it says to take it not longer than 72hours after having sex. When I took the pill i started to feel cramps the day after and symptomps like when expecting a period. I was not worried because my period was supposed to be due 5 days after having sex. I kept feeling cramps but my period was 3 days late and i was worried so i took and early pregnancy test and it came negative. 2 days more passed and My period came but it was very light and lasted only one day. I am really worried could I be pregnant?

Thanks in advance

September 17, 2018 - 12:13pm
HERWriter Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anon

If you are taking the birth control pill you are fully protected it since you take it every day around the same time. Taking emergency contraception "just in case" won't give you extra protection. All it will do is cause side effects like an irregular cycle, pain, cramps, nausea and other discomforts. Keep taking your pills as usual and your cycle will sort itself in the next month or so.
Best,
Susan

September 17, 2018 - 1:02pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had protected sex on June 20 and the condom broke as he inserted it but he took it out right away. This was a bit into having sex but there seemed to be nothing on anything and it was removed right away. I got my period directly a week after on the 27-1 of July and took a pregnancy test on the 9th which was negative. It is now August 2nd and no period still. Since then I have not enganged in any sexual conduct. I’ve just been stressing out about it recently. Am I pregnant?

August 1, 2018 - 11:24pm
HERWriter Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anon

Since you got your period after sex, you can't be pregnant. Your dates are off - you took a test on the 9th of what month? July? (You said you got your period on July 27th, I assume you mean June 27th?). If you took a test on July 9th and it was negative, you're not pregnant.
Your period is late for other reasons, including stress, hormonal swings or a change in body chemistry.
Best,
Susan

August 2, 2018 - 6:43am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Ok same thing here! Had unprotected sex July 2nd, kept saying he pulled out. I was still spooked so took the ella emergency contraception pill July 7. They say it's good 5 days after. I have yet to have my period, I do have nausea spells and some breast pain but just took test today so almost 4 weeks after sex. Negative. What is going on?!!

July 27, 2018 - 12:04pm
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