What Else Should I Know About Taking Plan B
There are three things Dr. White says her patients often dont understand about Plan B. The first is that its more effective the sooner you take it, and the efficacy greatly decreases 72 hours after unprotected sex. For the best results, take it as soon as possible after your sexual encounter.
The second is that its less effective for folks who are overweight or obese. In fact, for people with a BMI 26 or higher, it might not work at all, and doubling the dose doesnt seem to be effective, she explains.
Third, Plan B isnt the only emergency contraceptive, she notes. Ella is a prescription pill thats considered as effective or more effective than Plan B, and is effective up to a BMI of around 35. And the most effective is not a pill at all, its an IUD, she says. Three different IUDs can be used for and if you dont want to continue using the IUD as ongoing birth control, it can be removed with your next period.
In general, Dr. White believes theres a stigma attached to emergency contraception, as some associate it with being lazy or irresponsible. But she says this characterization is unfair. There is no moral difference between using contraception before or after sex if you dont want to get pregnant, she says. I dont want people to ever feel shame for using Plan B or any other emergency contraception. Its great to do everything you can to keep from getting pregnant when you dont want to be.
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Experts:
Could I Be Pregnant
Some spotting after using Plan B is harmless. It shouldnt be taken as a sure sign that youre not pregnant, though.
Implantation spotting can happen when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This is perfectly normal in early pregnancy, usually occurring about 10 to 14 days after conception.
Youll only know that youre not pregnant when you get your period or have a negative pregnancy test.
In addition to spotting and menstrual changes, other potential side effects from Plan B may include:
- breast tenderness
If they happen at all, these side effects should only last a few days and you probably wont have all of them.
Emergency contraceptive pills are not associated with serious or long-term side effects. Plan B wont affect your ability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy in the future.
Remember, your period may be late even if youre not pregnant.
You dont have to do anything for spotting, getting your period early, or a heavier-than-normal period. When you take Plan B, keep some menstrual products on hand just in case.
Your cycle should return to normal the following month.
Why You Need To Wait To Take A Pregnancy Test
Plan B is only 95% effective. That means there is a chance that you were unlucky and had already ovulated that is, were at peak fertility right before you had unprotected sex. Even if you use Plan B as directed, you could be in the 5% non-effective group.
If you do get pregnant, heres what happens in your body next, and why you have to wait a few days before you can take a pregnancy test.
First, the egg released by your ovaries will be fertilized by a sperm in your fallopian tube.13 It can then take up to nine days for the fertilized egg to implant into your uterus.13 This triggers the growth of the placenta, which starts making a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, which shows up in your urine.13
A certain level of hCG needs to be present in your urine before a pregnancy test can actually detect it. The delay of a few days each for fertilization, implantation, and hCG production is why you have to wait so long after sex before you can take a pregnancy test and expect real results.
How long do you have to wait to take a pregnancy test? Some pregnancy tests say you can start testing as early as six days before your period , like Clearblue and others that bill themselves as early detection. Regular pregnancy tests are the most accurate if you wait till your period is supposed to start .14
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Are There Different Types Of Morning
There are three main types of morning-after pill each with popular brand names you might have heard of.
Progestin-only pill
Plan B is a type of emergency contraception that’s taken as one pill. For the best results, you should take Plan B as soon as possible typically within the first three days after unprotected sex. You can take it up to five days after unprotected sex, but the effectiveness of the medication drops.
Ulipristal
This type of morning-after pill also works by preventing ovulation. Ulipristal can be more effective than other morning-after pill options when its taken correctly . People can take ulipristal up to five days after unprotected sex. The most common brand name for this medication is ella®. Your healthcare provider needs to prescribe ulipristal.
Combined birth control
This type of emergency contraception involves taking birth control pills that contain both progestin and estrogen. Unlike a progestin-only medication like Plan B, this option is typically taken in two doses. Its important to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the exact dosage you’ll need and how far apart you should take the two medications. When you use combination birth control as an emergency contraception option, youre taking a typical birth control pill at a higher dose. This isnt something you should do without talking to your provider because different brands of birth control can change the amount you need to take.
Combined birth control
Why Is My Period So Early After Taking Plan B
It causes a change in hormone levels, which can affect the usual pattern of your menstrual cycle. This can lead to spotting between the time you take it and the beginning of your next period. It can also cause your period to start up to a week earlier or a week later than you would otherwise expect.
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How Late Can A Period Be Plus Why Its Late
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in womens issues. When she isnt trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on .
If The Test Is Positive
If your pregnancy test is positive, its still a good idea to see your doctor to confirm the results. Its also an opportunity to begin a discussion about your options. If youre pregnant and want to continue the pregnancy, youll be able to get started on prenatal care right away.
If you decide that you dont want to continue with the pregnancy, your doctor can explain the different types of abortion available to you.
Alternatively, you can contact the nearest Planned Parenthood clinic to learn more. Legal options vary depending on where you live. The Guttmacher Institute provides the latest information about abortion laws in each state.
Plan B is an OTC medication. You can get it at most drugstores without seeing a doctor or getting a prescription.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Plan B
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.
How Can I Relieve Plan B Side Effects
Yeah, if youre feeling even remotely sh*tty, I get that you wanna find a quick fix. The most important thing Dr. Jackson-Bey suggests is to stay hydrated. Meanwhile, any headaches or breast tenderness can be treated with an OTC painkiller like Advil or Tylenol.
Otherwise, just rest up! Feeling fatigued? Acknowledge that youre feeling off for a reason and curl up with a good Netflix show. Remember that this is totally temporary and you *will* be back to normal soon.
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Ec Treatment Cycle Characteristics
Data on the characteristics of the EC treatment cycle are available for 232 women. Cycle length during the treatment cycle was shortened by two or more days for 49 participants and lengthened by two or more days for 57 participants . Cycle length was shortened by approximately one day for women who took EC in the pre-ovulatory phase of the cycle and was lengthened by close to two days for women who took EC in the post-ovulatory phase of the cycle, and these changes reached statistical significance . No difference in cycle length was observed for women who took EC right around the time of expected ovulation. Menstrual period duration did not change with pre-ovulatory EC intake but increased significantly with peri- or post-ovulatory intake. Estimated blood loss was equal to baseline in 68.5% of participants . Regression models showed that young women and women with short cycle lengths at baseline experienced significantly lengthened cycles after EC treatment .
Change in menstrual cycle length
What Are Early Signs Of Pregnancy
The most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy might include: Missed period. If youre in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. Tender, swollen breasts. Nausea with or without vomiting. Increased urination. Fatigue.
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What Is The Effectiveness Of Plan B
The sooner you take Plan B®, the more effective it is. It can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours and preferably within 12 hours of unprotected sex. If you take it within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it is 95% effective. If you take it between 48 and 72 hours of unprotected sex, the efficacy rate is 61%.
Can You Be 14 Days Late And Not Be Pregnant
Some people have their period every 28 days like clockwork. But most people will experience a late or missed period at least once without being pregnant, and thats perfectly normal. For many, a late period can trigger thoughts of potential pregnancy. But a late period doesnt necessarily mean that youre pregnant.
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Plan B Side Effects You Should Know About
Nauseous? Totally normal.
So the condom broke and you’re not on the Pill. Your move: Run out to CVS and pick up some Plan B.
But if you’ve never taken emergency contraception before, you might be wondering: Does this stuff have any side effects?
Plan B contains a type of progesterone, the same steroid hormone thats in oral contraceptives, but at a higher dose, says Iffath Hoskins, M.D., clinical associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Health. It works by one or all of the following ways: delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, and/or preventing egg implantation.
Though Plan B is generally considered very safe , that high dose of progesterone may cause a few potential side effects.
Here’s are the Plan B side effects you should know about:
Taking Plan B can cause your period to be lighter or heavier, or arrive earlier or come late. These side effects are due to the high-dose progesterone acting on the lining of the uterus at variable points in time during the menstrual cycle, says Hoskins.
How it affects your cycle depends on where exactly you are in your cycle when you take it. And while it may cause changes, these are always temporary, especially when the pill is used correctly, i.e. very rarely/occasionally and not regularly and repeatedly, she says.
Your next period should be normal, and come at the expected time, or within a week of the expected time.
Will Ec Affect Your Period
EC is known to affect the timing of peoples periods.
Some experience an earlier period, while others find theirs comes later.
You may also notice changes in heaviness or light spotting in between taking the pill and your next period.
Theres also a link between regularly taking EC and irregular periods.
So its always better to use regular birth control instead of relying on Plan B, ella, and the like.
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What Medications Are Similar
There are many routine birth control methods available. However, in addition to Plan B, there are only three more emergency contraceptive options. All of the following choices are emergency contraceptives, but theyre not usually used together. If you have any questions, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Switching Plans Outside Of Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period Without A Guaranteed Issue Right
If you dont qualify for a guaranteed issue right and want to switch your Medigap plan outside of your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period, your application may include medical underwriting.
If you have pre-existing conditions or health conditions that have developed after you purchased your current Medigap policy, your new plan could have higher premiums than your current plan. Or the insurance carrier who sells the new plan you want could deny you coverage.
Consult with a licensed insurance agent to discuss your options.
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How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Plan B
If taken within three days of unprotected sex or suspected birth control failure, Plan B can lower your pregnancy risk. Take Plan B as soon as possible within this three-day window for better effectiveness.
After taking Plan B, youre still at risk of becoming pregnant. Therefore, its essential to use a barrier birth control methodlike a condomat least until your next menstrual period. Using a condom can also protect you from sexually transmitted infections , while Plan B cannot. In addition to using condoms, you can get certain vaccines to prevent STIs. Also, consider getting STI testing.
Since Plan B isnt meant to be used as a routine birth control method, you can start or continue with a regular form of birth control after taking Plan B. With many available options, talk with your healthcare provider to find the best option for youdepending on costs, convenience, and other preferences.
After taking Plan B, its normal for your period to run a little late. However, if its been more than a week later than expected, reach out to your healthcare provider for a pregnancy test. Also, get medical help right away if you experience severe stomach pain.
How Often Can You Take Ec
You can take Plan B and other levonorgestrel pills as often as you need them.
There are no long-term side effects.
But ella does have a limitation: The label says you should only take it once during a single menstrual cycle.
Its also advised not to take two different kinds of EC pills within 5 days of each other, as theres a risk that they may not work.
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How Do You Know That The Morning After Pill Has Worked
The only way to know that the morning after pill has definitely worked is for your next period to arrive. This might not be what you wanted to hear, but it’s important not to panic. When taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, ellaOne is 99% effective. It is a good idea to get to know your menstrual cycle.
Are There Other Ec Pills You Can Take
Ella
If youre looking for an EC pill thats more effective longer after unprotected sex, consider ella.
Its known as an ulipristal acetate pill. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation.
Most importantly, it is said to remain consistently effective when taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, reducing the risk of pregnancy .
Its also more suitable for people with a higher BMI or weight. The only drawback is that you need a prescription to get hold of ella. Plus, it can be pricier than Plan B.
Copper IUD
Theres one other type of EC, but it doesnt come in the form of a pill.
A copper intrauterine device can be inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
Its if inserted within a 120-hour timeframe.
Of course, youll need to book an appointment with a healthcare professional to get an IUD.
But the best part is that you can use it as a regular form of birth control afterwards.
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What Are The Side Effects Of The Morning After Pill
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“The “morning after pill” can disrupt your periods. Your next period may be heavier or lighter and it may come earlier or later than expected.” – Dr Zenon Andreou |
“The “morning after pill” can disrupt your periods. Your next period may be heavier or lighter and it may come earlier or later than expected.”Dr Zenon Andreou
Types Of Emergency Contraception Pills
There are 2 types of emergency contraceptive pills commonly sold in the U.S.:
Editors note: Technically, a doctor could have you take higher doses of regular combination birth control pills as emergency contraception, something called the Yuzpe regimen. But thats not as effective as the other 2 types listed above, and it brings with it more side effects. Additionally, the copper IUD could be inserted within 5 days as a form of emergency contraception.
Scientists have found that both Plan B One-Step that you can get over-the-counter, or the prescription for ella, are safe to use to prevent pregnancy. Any side effects that you have after taking either of the emergency contraceptive pills should be mild and short-term.
After you take emergency contraceptive pills, the most common side effect is you guessed it changes to your menstrual periods.
Here is a list of some possible side effects after using a morning-after pill like Plan B:
- Irregular bleeding
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