Can having surgery postpone the start of your period?

Emily1

Active member
First of all, I'm 20. My last period started on May 11th and ended on May 16th. On May 21st, I had major reconstructive surgery on my ankle (about 4 hours worth of surgery), but I have since stopped taking all pain medication I was on for the surgery (oxycontin and percocet). The only surgery-related medication I'm still taking is a low-dose Aspirin regimen in order to prevent blood clots. I'll be stopping the Aspirin in the next week and a half or so.

I should mention that I did have PROTECTED sex on May 16th. My boyfriend used a condom, and he only penetrated me 2 or 3 times because I was a virgin and I told him it hurt. There was nothing in the condom when we were done, but we still checked the condom for holes by filling it with water anyway... nothing. I honestly think I'm just freaking myself out about this whole sex thing, which I know can also delay your period.

For about the last 8 days or so, I've had sore breasts and I've stopped having discharge within the last 3 days I'd guess, which are typical signs that my period should be starting soon. I've also been a little bit tired (particularly last week), but that's most likely because I wasn't active due to the surgery, etc. I've put on a little bit of weight (although nothing extreme by any measure... I'd say a pound or two), which is pretty typical too. I don't usually start getting cramps until my period starts. So far, no cramps.

I guess this is what I'm wondering: can surgery postpone the start of your period? Since it's already the 8th and I haven't started my period yet, I'm getting just a little concerned. I think I'm just freaking out about the sex and whatnot, so I guess I'm just looking for some peace of mind. Is the surgery the most likely culprit for my period being a little "late" (although it really isn't that late yet)?

Thanks for the help!
 
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