Ella (EC) and periods

[Jasslyn]

I had potential risks on 20 september (night) and 21 September (noon) and took Ella (emergency contraceptive) on 22 September morning. My last period was on 11 August and i was expecting it to come on around 23 September. It is usually 42 to 44 days cycle. It’s now 2 October but still no period and multiple pregnancy tests have been negative.

I wonder if Ella can cause such a huge delay in periods even though I read that most people have no change in their cycles despite taking EC? I am now about 10 days late. Is that normal? I am not sure if I should be seeing a doctor or something because I still do not have any signs or symptoms of my period. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Heather]

Hey there, Jasslyn.

Since you already tested and got negative results, it seems pretty likely your cycles are just wonky either because of the EC, because of unmanaged/increased stress around all this (which is pretty common), or just because. Cycles will sometimes shift and change on their own, so it could be that's happening now very coincidentally.

I don't see any reason to see a healthcare provider, since it doesn't sound like anything is wrong for them to look into. having a late or skipped period now and then is common and normal. But if you'd feel better doing so and you have access, you certainly can see one anyway!