Can the morning after pill delay your period for 2 months

After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, like Levonelle or ellaOne, your period is likely to come on time or a few days early or late. Sometimes it can be a week late and sometimes even later.

If your period is over a week late, we would recommend taking a pregnancy test.

You may have some irregular bleeding after you take the pill, and before your next period. This can range from spotting to heavy bleeding.

Other birth control methods like the progestogen only pill or the combined pill can also affect your periods.


Last updated at: 19 October 2022

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The only way to know if emergency contraception has worked is when you get your next period. Unfortunately, this does mean it’s a bit of a waiting game to know whether you’re pregnant or not.

If you’ve taken the morning after pill at the right time, within 24 hours of unprotected sex, there’s a 95 to 99% chance that the emergency contraception has worked. The later you take the morning after pill, the less effective it becomes at preventing pregnancy. Levonelle (levonorgestrel) can work up to 72 hours and EllaOne up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.

The morning after pill will only work if you take it before ovulation. You can tell you might be ovulating if you work out what is roughly 10 to 16 days before your period. You may also notice the signs of ovulation, such as changes in your cervical mucus or a small increase in your overall body temperature. However, it is difficult to track when you might ovulate.

Another form of emergency contraception is the copper IUD (intrauterine device). This is a small device that is fitted inside your uterus. The copper IUD can be left in your uterus to be used as regular contraception. For emergency contraception, the copper IUD needs to be fitted within 5 days of having unprotected sex.

If you’ve taken any emergency contraception after ovulation, it will not work. Look out for the signs of pregnancy, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and breast tenderness. You may bleed a little in the early stages of your pregnancy, which might be confusing if you’re waiting for your period. If this happens, do a pregnancy test or speak to your doctor.

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Can the morning after pill delay your period for 2 months

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  5. My period is late after taking the morning after pill — should I be worried?

‘I forgot to take some pills during my last cycle. I missed at least two tablets. So, in a panic, I took the morning after pill 12 hours after having sex with my boyfriend. That was now two weeks ago! Since then, he’s worn a condom and I’ve taken my contraception… But I still haven’t had my period. I’m three days late and I’m very worried. Does that mean I’m pregnant? ’
Anonymous, 23
(forgotten pill)

What the expert says:

For some women, the morning after pill can cause your period to come early. In others, it’s the opposite — they may cause your period to come late. There’s no need to panic in either situation. You’ve made the right decision to use condoms since then, and to continue to take your oral contraceptive. Well done on being responsible.

The fear of getting pregnant and the hormonal changes, related to stress, may also be causing your period to be late, especially if you don’t have any symptoms that might indicate pregnancy (such as nausea, swollen breasts etc.). It’s a good idea to wait for a week after the expected date of your period before doing a pregnancy test to be sure the results are accurate – they can be easily found at a pharmacy. If the test comes back negative and you still don’t have your period, it’s advised that you make an appointment with your doctor so they can examine you. In case of any doubt, the doctor will prescribe a blood test to check your beta-hCG (hCG is the hormone secreted by the placenta), to find out what’s going on with your body.

S2

Ella® Each tablet contains 30 mg Ulipristal acetate Reg. No. 46/18.8/0280

For full prescribing information, refer to the package insert approved by the Medicines Regulatory Authority.

Can the morning after pill delay your period for 2 months

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Can emergency pills delay periods for 2 months?

It's normal for Plan B to affect the timing of your period. But if it's a week later than usual or still hasn't arrived within 3 weeks of taking Plan B, there's a possibility that you're pregnant.

How long can morning after pill delay period?

Using the morning-after pill may delay your period by up to one week. If you don't get your period within three to four weeks of taking the morning-after pill, take a pregnancy test. Normally, you don't need to contact your health care provider after using the morning-after pill.

Can the morning after pill affect your period a month later?

After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, like Levonelle or ellaOne, your period is likely to come on time or a few days early or late. Sometimes it can be a week late and sometimes even later. If your period is over a week late, we would recommend taking a pregnancy test.

How late can a period be without being pregnant?

If you are 7 days late with no pregnancy symptoms, it still doesn't necessarily mean that you are pregnant (it can, but it's not always the case… take a test, another one). However, if you have a late or missed period with early signs of pregnancy, this is a strong indication of pregnancy.