Q: I just want to ask something regarding with my delayed menstruation. I saw my regular menstruation every 13th day of the month then suddenly it came my menstruation to 28th day of the month or first day of the next month. I did sex with my boyfriend with no in taking of any contraceptives – it’s just a withdrawal method. Is it possible Dr. that having sexual intercourse could cause my expected day of menstruation?
A: Your question didn’t quite end? But I think I get the drift. Did sexual intercourse delay your period? Let’s go one step at a time.
Withdrawal method involves pulling the male organ out of the vagina just before ejaculation. This method may protect against pregnancy if used well but does not protect against STIs. It has been argued in some quarters that the pre-ejaculate (a lubricating fluid) may contain some sperm cells and so even if your partner is able to withdraw before ejaculation, the harm would have been done. However, the sperm in the pre-ejaculate is not there at the time the fluid is produced, but is sperm from previous ejaculations that was probably left in the urethra. It is believed that urinating and cleaning the tip of the penis before sexual intercourse helps to clear the urethra of the sperm left from previous ejaculations.
So, given the recent history of unprotected intercourse, the more material concern would be whether you are pregnant – this is your most usual ‘go to’ question when a period is ‘missing’ and is a key reason for delay of menstrual periods for 9 months 🙂
If this is not the case, then a review of your menstrual history should be helpful.
A ‘regular’ menstrual cycle is supposedly one in which the cycle (the length of time from the 1st day of a menstrual period to the first day of the next menstrual period) is about 28 days but there is nothing abnormal about cycles that fall outside of this range. It could range from about 24 days to 34 days with ovulation happening at mid cycle. Indeed, in some women each period appears to have a different cycle. For young girls who have just started menstruating, skipped or irregular periods may occur.
What do people refer to as irregular periods? Well, if the time between each period changes, or the length of days of the period changes or indeed when the quantity of blood lost during each period changes, the period is termed irregular. What can cause these changes? They include:
Changes in hormone levels, as is common in the puberty period or menopausal period (not an issue here)
Stress
Excessive weight loss or excessive weight gain
Fibroids
Problems with the thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD)
Scarring from previous surgery in the uterus
Breast feeding mothers may also experience irregular periods as the hormones released may delay return of menstruation. Remember, however, that this is not an effective means of contraception.
So, it’s always a good idea to keep a record of your periods: length of cycles, number of days the period lasts, presence of pain etc. If you keep a chart of this over time, you would be able to know what is normal for you.
Treatment of irregular periods depends on cause: fibroids, PCOD, hyperthyroidism all have to be treated. If irregularity is due to stress, learning coping mechanisms or relaxation techniques may help. Reduce weight or go easy on your exercise routine, if weight issues are a problem.
So, you might want to go and see your doctor to check you out.
All the best.
chatwithketch 