What Causes Delayed Periods After Taking I Pill?

Posted on Sun, 11 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My girlfriend's periods were supposed to be at around 5-6 January, we got intimate on 5th. Even though the sperm didnt enter her vagina, but still as a precaution she took an ipill within 40 Hours, ie on 7th January. She has lower belly ache and bleeding. We are quite tensed as today is 11th XXXXXXX and still there is no sign of period but the bleeding still continues and is getting heavier.. As we are young we dont want a child right now, but abortion is not an option. Her cycle is of 28 days. She has been irregular in the past. How much delay can we expect and what are theother ways to stop the baby from conceiving. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
nil chances of pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, I understand your anxiety.
There is absolutely no risk of pregnancy as
- no penetration
- took ipill within the stipulated time
- sexual activity around the time of expected periods is safe as there is no ovulation and thus nil chances of pregnancy.
This delay is just simple irregularity superimposed by anxiety.
Nothing to worry ask her to take tablet norethisterone 5 mg thrice a day for 3 days and she will get her periods in next 2-5 days.
All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (26 minutes later)

Thank you for the reply, it is reassuring to know this from a well trained Doctor!

I have the following questions though -

If she doesnt take the above mentioned tablet, how long will the period take to begin naturally?
Should we go for a Pregnancy Test?
Her last period was on Dec 10th ( starting from dec 10 at 1 AM till Dec 14th at 10 am )

And if its not too much trouble, can you please explain to me the process of ovulation? It will help me a lot !
I risk on losing her forever is something goes bad. Please reply.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no need to do pregnancy test

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.
Ovulation occurs around day 14-16 in uaual women with regular cycles (taking day 1 of periods as first day of cycle) which in her case was around the December 24-26 and as the life of ovum is around 24 hours and there is only 1 ovum in one cycle the chances of pregnancy are nil.
Plus there was no penetration and she took ipill too.
The chances of pregnancy are nil.
In case she doesn't feel like taking the tablets her periods will come in a week probably.
No need to do a pregnancy test at all but in case she is very anxious and wants to do it then do it on 18 or 20th January.
All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (10 minutes later)

Thank you doctor for the response! It has helped to calm us both down.
One last question -

What other side effects can we expect in the due time?

Thanking you in anticipation.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
mild side effects

Detailed Answer:
There are usually no side effects but some women experience slight nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings.
Usually nothing much to worry.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (8 hours later)

Ma'am,
My girlfriend is complaining about swelling in the anus region. Could that also be a side effect of the pill?also, the bleeding has not stopped and it is getting heavy. Any remedy for that?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
tablet tranexa advised

Detailed Answer:
There is no need to worry as the period has come a little late than expected date so heavier than before.
Take tablet tranexa 500 mg thrice a day till bleeding subsides.
Swelling around anus is just an incidental finding.
Nothing active needs to be done
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar