When Should I Get My Period After Taking Plan B

You Dont Take It Soon Enough

What No One tells you about taking Plan B

Morning-after pills like Plan B and Next Choice are effective if you take them within five days of unprotected sex. The major caveat here is that they work best when taken within 72 hours, then the efficacy starts dropping. Within three days after unprotected sex, these kinds of morning-after pills are between 75 and 89 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, according to Planned Parenthood. The sooner you take it, the better its going to work, Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale Medical School, tells SELF. Although levonorgesterel-based options like Plan B and Next Choice prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex, think of those first 72 hours as prime time.

Ella, the prescription morning-after pill, is also effective for up to five days after unprotected sex, but its equally as effective the entire time, Katharine O’Connell White, M.D., M.P.H., director of fellowship in family planning, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, tells SELF. Ella decreases your risk of getting pregnant by 85 percent if you take it within the appropriate window.

Paragard also needs to be inserted within that five-day window in order to be effective.

Can Plan B Affect Your Period

The short answer is yes: Plan B can affect your period because it can change your menstrual cycle’s timing. The National Institutes of Health says that emergency contraception may cause mild side effects like menstrual bleeding changes. After taking Plan B, your next period may start earlier or later than you expect, and it could be heavier or lighter than usual. To understand why you have to know how emergency contraception works.

Bleeding After Morning After Pill: Week Later

Are you experiencing heavy bleeding after Plan B? Heavier or lighter bleeding after plan B, as weve already mentioned, is a common side effect of the morning after pill. It is normal to bleed irregularly after plan B, this bleeding should remit before your next period.

But remember, if you dont bleed within three weeks of taking Plan B, we recommend taking a pregnancy test.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Bleeding a Week After Plan B, is That my Period?, we recommend you visit our Drugs & supplements category.

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How Often Can I Take It

You can take Plan B as often as you need to, but the more you take it, the more likely you are to have spotting and menstrual irregularities. If you find yourself needing Plan B often, talk to your doctor about other methods of birth control that may be more effective.

Plan B doesnt cause miscarriage and isnt an abortion pill. You shouldnt have the type of heavy blood flow that contains large clots.

What Makes This Different From Plan B

Bleeding a Week After Plan B, is That my Period?

Its normal to experience light bleeding, or spotting, after taking Plan B. Its usually nothing to worry about if it happens to you.

Spotting is a side effect of the extra hormones that the EC pill releases inside your body. But it can also be a sign of early pregnancy, so try to keep track of your menstrual cycle and take a pregnancy test if you feel unsure.

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Maximum Delay In Periods After Taking Ipill

The answer is yes, the morning after pill can delay or advance your period: although this affirmation depends on several factors. As mentioned before, the morning after pill is composed of a high hormonal dosage, which will affect your regular hormonal cycle.

Some of the most common side effects of taking the morning after pill include:

  • Headaches.
  • Changes in heaviness of bleeding during pregnancy.
  • Delay or advancement of your period.

The delays or advances of your period will depend on the moment of the cycle in which the pill was taken. If you take the morning after pill a couple of days before your ovulation cycle it may make your period come earlier. However, if you take Plan B three or more days after ovulation, it could make your period come later. In addition, some studies show that the earlier you take the pill within the 72 hour limit, the earlier the appearance of your period might be.

If your period is over a week late, it may mean that it did not work and there is a possibility of pregnancy. You can test this by going to your nearest pharmacy and buying a pregnancy test.

Add A Comment44 Comments

After taking ECP, supposed my period come around one week but, at this time almost within 2weeks I didn’t get period, for twice I’ll do check pregnant test but its still negative results.. what should I do??

Hello, Anon.

If your results are negative, there is nothing to do but wait for your cycle to sort itself out.

Helena

Hello,my firs period came on time after taking plan B,but second period is delayed by 2 weeks .Besides being pragnant ,should I worry about something else?Maybe stress can cause the delete ?

Okay so I just posted a bit ago, hereâs MY follow up. I posted about my second period being late after my boyfriend and my condom broke so spooky stuff. This would be 10 Days late but I FINALLY got it this afternoon. Plan b really does mess up your cycle, first period I was a full 2 week late, now Iâm 10 Days late. But all in all, Iâm glad this resource is out there and I am BEYOND glad that it worked for me. And for the record, I had cramping and sore nips and bloating for weeks so I was really scared but donât worry, those hormones can mess with you beyond belief. Hope this helps someone!

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How Effective Is Plan B

Plan B is a very effective emergency contraception pill. It works well to prevent pregnancy within three days of an unprotected sex act, but is most effective when taken within 24 hours of the incident, says Madeline Sutton, OB-GYN, a medical epidemiologist and former Commissioned Corps Officer at the CDC. A morning-after pill like Plan B can prevent pregnancy 75% to 89% of the time if you take it within three days of unprotected sex.

Even though theres no limit to how many times you can take Plan B, taking more than one dose wont make it more effective. If you have unprotected sex again the day after taking Plan B, then you should take another dose. Take one pill for every act of unprotected sex, but remember that Plan B is not a substitute for regular birth control. Talk to your healthcare provider about the most appropriate form of birth control for you.

Making Emergency Birth Control Work For You

Pharmacist Advice: Plan B has a generic and it WORKS ! ++ FAQ about Plan B

About half of all pregnancies in the USA are unintended . The popularity of long-acting reversible contraception methods like IUDs helps decrease this number .

Emergency contraception can stop an unintended pregnancy before it happens. An ECP is not a long-term solution for birth control â it isnât as effective as other forms of birth control. But knowing the options can help make emergency contraception as effective as possible for you. Understanding your cycle and acting quickly are the most important things you can do to make emergency contraception work for you.

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Bleeding A Week After Taking Plan B

Emergency contraception can cause irregular bleeding, but this is only a problem if youre not pregnant. The good news? As long as your period has already started before taking the pill then there will be no effect on its progression or timing of future periods due to ECs ability stop pregnancy from happening in those cases where it would otherwise occur naturally

How Do You Know If Plan B Worked

Doctors say that you don’t need any tests or procedures after using emergency contraception. However, if you haven’t gotten your period within a week of when it should come or expect it to come, you should have a pregnancy test. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor for some good, solid medical advice.

When you take it as directed, your emergency contraception pill should be safe and effective. The California State Board of Pharmacy says that emergency contraception could reduce your risk of getting pregnant by up to 89%. Note that this number is only an estimate, and it rides upon the fact that you take it on time, as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.

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How The Emergency Contraception Pill Works

The EC pill is the method you reach for after having unplanned sex when you do not have protection. Protection means taking a regular contraception method like daily pills, implants, injections, or using a condom before sex.

Currently, after unprotected intercourse, we have two main methods for preventing an unplanned pregnancy – the emergency pills or the copper IUD.

The Copper IUD or Copper coil is a small device that an experienced health provider fits inside your womb in the clinic.

It is the most effective emergency birth control method and needs to be fitted within five days of unplanned sex or five days of ovulation.

But if you can’t get the Copper coil, the emergency contraception pill is your next best bet.

More Faqs On Delayed Periods After Morning After Pill

I got my period early after taking plan b, IAMMRFOSTER.COM
  • Can the morning after pill mess up your cycle for months?
  • Yes, it can. Although it will not cause significant harm, taking the EC pill more than once in a cycle can mess up your cycle for months. And this is why we advise you to have a regular, reliable form of contraception, so you only need the morning after pill occasionally or rarely.
  • What it means – morning after pill, period late 2 weeks?
  • In this case, I would recommend a urine pregnancy test straight away. If the test is negative, you can wait another seven days and repeat it. At this point, you can also look for signs of early pregnancy like breast soreness, tiredness and so on.
  • Bleeding a week after plan b – is that my period?
  • Most often, bleeding that happens soon after taking the pill is a side effect of the hormones in the pill – not your period. The bleeding also tends to be lighter than a period, e.g. spotting. Even if the bleeding is a little heavier, it will not cause blood clots. It will not last as long as a usual period.
  • What are the side effects of morning after pill on menstrual cycle/effects of morning after pills on periods?
  • The pill has two main bleeding effects: it can i) cause bleeding unrelated to the menstrual cycle and ii) affect the periods.
  • For the periods, the pill can have zero effect. That means the period is unchanged and comes at the expected time. In other cases, it may be delayed or might come earlier.
  • Let us know in the comments if you have any more or ask here.

    Disclaimer

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    My Period Is Late After Taking The Morning After Pill Should I Be Worried

    I forgot to take some pills during my last cycle. I missed at least two tablets. So, in a panic, I took the morning after pill 12 hours after having sex with my boyfriend. That was now two weeks ago! Since then, hes worn a condom and Ive taken my contraception But I still havent had my period. Im three days late and Im very worried. Does that mean Im pregnant? Anonymous, 23

    What the expert says:

    For some women, the morning after pill can cause your period to come early. In others, its the opposite they may cause your period to come late. Theres no need to panic in either situation. Youve made the right decision to use condoms since then, and to continue to take your oral contraceptive. Well done on being responsible.

    The fear of getting pregnant and the hormonal changes, related to stress, may also be causing your period to be late, especially if you dont have any symptoms that might indicate pregnancy . Its a good idea to wait for a week after the expected date of your period before doing a pregnancy test to be sure the results are accurate they can be easily found at a pharmacy. If the test comes back negative and you still dont have your period, its advised that you make an appointment with your doctor so they can examine you. In case of any doubt, the doctor will prescribe a blood test to check your beta-hCG , to find out whats going on with your body.

    What You Might Experience

    The morning-after pill can cause your next period to be:

    • A few days to a week early.
    • A few days to a week late.
    • Heavier than normal.
    • Longer than normal.
    • More or less painful than usual.

    Because of the hormones in these pills, you might also notice spotting between periods, particularly right after taking emergency contraceptive. If you experience any of these symptoms, dont worry your period should return to normal by your next menstrual cycle. If at least a week passes, however, and you still dont get your period as expected, take a pregnancy test to make sure the morning-after pill worked.

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    Should I Be On The Pill

    As long as a doctor agrees the pill is right for you then it is a convenient and effective form of contraception.

    There are advantages of being on the combined pill, including:

    • It is 99% effective if used properly
    • Doesnt interrupt sex
    • Can reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and colon cancer
    • Can make bleeds lighter, more regular and less painful

    The combined pill can have side effects, especially when you first start taking it, such as:

    • Nausea
    • Mood swings
    • Breast tenderness

    If you get side effects you cant put up with, then the pill may not be the best form of contraception for you. Instead you may need to use another method. Other reliable methods can include:

    Should I Get My Period Soon After Taking Plan B

    The REAL Reasons For DELAYED Period After The Pill | MORNING AFTER PILL | NEGATIVE PREGNANCY TEST

    I took the morning after pill the next day, my question is, am I suppossed to get my period soon after I take the pill or do I just wait for my normal period to arive? it has been about 10 days and I dont have it yet, I have the same symptoms as when I was pregnant but I am wondering if the pill can still be causing this symptoms after 10 days of taking it?

    • Answer #1

      As the doctor probably explained to you:Your period will start within 24 to 72 hours of taking the plan b pill. That’s what it does, eg, induces your period right away.

      IF you didn’t listen to the doctor and instead waited ten days, with no period and feel like you are pregant, there is a VERY good chance, yep, you’re pregnant and the plan b pill was not effective.

      Anytime you get a prescription medication from a doctor, if you don’t follow their directions completely and CALL them with questions, concern or follow ups, then you run the risk of whatever treatment they gave you not being as effective as it should be.

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