A menstrual cycle is the body's way to get ready for pregnancy. Every cycle lasts for 28 days on an average, varying between 21-35 days in adults and 21-45 days in teens. The periods can last from 3-5 days or extend up to 7 days. However, if your periods are regular and you notice that they have been delayed for more than 5 days from the due date, they could be late; if one period is late for more than 6 weeks, it can be considered missed. Do you know why your period is late? Can having sex make your period late? Read on to know more.

Can Having Sex Make Your Period Late?

Sex could delay your periods but not make them very late. The delay is due to the higher surge of hormones that you may experience during arousal which can play havoc with your monthly cycle, causing a delay of 1-2 days. However, if you notice a longer delay, it is wiser to carry out a pregnancy test.

Others' Opinions on Sex and Delayed Period

"I had a fling on my last vacation and noticed that my period was delayed. I am 18 and cannot have a baby now! I am very regular and a delay was simply freaking me out! However, after a slight delay of 2 days, I started my period. It could be all the stress and worrying that may have delayed it." – CM

"Can having sex make your period late? Never heard of something so bizarre before! The only reason I know that can delay periods is pregnancy. It can delay your period for 9 months! If you are in doubt, take a test and be sure." – AS

Other Reasons for a Late Period

A late period can be very scary, especially if you are sexually active and not ready to have a baby. Many factors can affect and delay your periods. Here are those factors:

1. Pregnancy

This is one of the most important reasons why your periods may be delayed. If you had sex within 2-3 months of your last period and have not had your period since then, it is very likely that you are pregnant. Consult your healthcare provider for a proper pregnancy test.

2. Stress

Stress, either emotional or physical, can delay your period. A new job, illness, depression, exam, fever, strenuous exercises or a weight gain or loss are some of the reasons that can increase your stress levels and affect your periods. Once you make some changes to alleviate your stress, you could become regular again.

3. Improper Eating Habits

Improper eating can affect your hormones like estrogen and cause them to be very high (when you are overweight) or very low (in eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia). Improper production or levels of these hormones can interfere with your menstrual cycle and make them more sporadic and irregular. In this case, you may have delayed periods.

4. Young Age

Many teenagers notice delay in their periods because their hormones have not been fully developed and are not completely tuned for efficient working. This causes irregular periods and delays of up to 3 months. The periods get regular with age; however, they may remain irregular for many women.

5. Hormonal Imbalance

The question "Can having sex make your period late?" may not your prior worries, if you have hormonal imbalance which can affect your cycles. If you have recently stopped your birth control pill or are having thyroid trouble, you could have hormonal imbalance. Any problems with your hormone production centers like ovaries, adrenal or pituitary glands could also cause a delay in your period.

6. Excessive Exercise

Strenuous and over exercising can cause a dip in the total body fat, which can interfere with your hormonal levels, further affecting your periods. The body requires some amount of fat for ovulation and excessive exercises can hamper the equation drastically. However do not stop exercising completely, only do it moderately.

7. Too Much Alcohol

Indulging in high amounts of alcohol can lead to increased estrogen and testosterone levels in the body, which plays havoc with the normal hormonal levels. Stick to one drink per day to be on the safe side.

8. Premature Menopause

You have 1-3 million eggs at birth, off which you lose some during every period. Once you have lost all your good quality eggs, you stop ovulating and face a menopause. If you have a menopause before 40, which is known as premature menopause, you will have no periods after that.

9. Thyroid Disorder

Can having sex make your period late? Could be, but thyroid disorders that lead to high or low hormonal production definitely can! You could either not ovulate at all or have a very weak ovulation cycle due to the disrupted levels of hormones, which can delay your periods or make them irregular.

10. An Infection

Bacterial infections, sexually transmitted diseases or pelvic inflammation can cause the uterus to become inflamed and result in bleeding. This could lead to a false alarm and make your body think that you are having your periods. However, if you notice pain, fever or vomiting along with bleeding, visit your doctor.

11. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

You may suffer from PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome if your body produces excessive androgens or male hormones. Higher levels of androgens interfere with the normal function of the ovaries, leading to immature follicle formation. This does not allow you to ovulate normally and your cycles could be irregular or delayed.