This post is in no way medical advice. Please read the full disclosure here.

Whether you took plan B, are planning to take it, or later find yourself in a situation this guide will help to answer your most wondered questions. Is it safe? Are there any long-term side effects? Why am I bleeding? How often can you take it? When will I get my period and everything else that’s on your mind?

I posted a recent TikTok about the basics of plan B and how it worked. I was flooded with comments and questions from fellow women and menstruators. I didn’t realize how much attention this topic needed and how little information was out there. I too have been there and it is a stressful situation — especially given the recent “situation” and access. It is a taboo topic that can make many people uncomfortable asking for guidance or help.

To whoever is reading this, I want to provide you with all the information I have from the best of my knowledge and research on this topic. Studies are still ongoing, information changes and bodies differ. This is my personal viewpoint and the best research I can provide you on this topic of emergency contraception. This is not medical advice.

The Ultimate Guide to Plan B

Sometimes plan A just doesnt work out! You may have taken plan B before or you may have to at some point. The best way to ease the nervousness and worry is to learn what it does and what to expect. 

When I was 20 I met my current boyfriend. We got quite close within a couple of months and eventually, he moved out of the friend zone and things got heated. I was on the tricyclic-lo combo birth control pill at the time but was still SO nervous about getting pregnant, and straight-up confused about how the menstrual cycle worked and how protected I really was. The morning after intercourse I ended up taking my first plan B pill. I remember feeling relieved, but scared because I didn’t know what to expect, if it worked, and how it would affect my body.

Various brands of “Plan B” are used by millions of women and people of reproductive age. It’s so common, and yet most of us don’t know how it works and what happens to our menstrual cycles, leaving a lot of worry, stress, confusion, and many —many — pregnancy tests. 

Let’s get to the bottom of how it affects our cycles, how it works, the symptoms we may get, and what will happen to our periods!

What is Plan B

Plan B is a form of emergency contraception that is commonly used as an option for preventing unintended pregnancies in cases of contraceptive failure, unprotected sex, or sexual assault.

The brand name Plan B uses a form of synthetic progesterone or progestin called levonorgestrel. They have Plan B (2 pills taken 12 hours apart) or Plan B One-Step (1 pill same dose as the 2 pills combined). There are various brands that go by different names that use this form  (Plan B One-Step®, Econtra EZ®, Preventeza®, AfterPill®, My Way®, Next Choice One Dose®, and Take Action®.) You’ll find that the majority of people just call all emergency contraceptives by the name  “plan B” or “the morning-after pill”. There are different types of emergency contraception but this post is referring to the levonorgestrel form. I will be referring to this drug as “plan B” for the rest of the post.

Most emergency contraptions using this form come in a single-dose pill or a two-dose set of two pills taken 12 hours apart. I’ve only ever taken a single dose, but they work the same way. This pill contains the same progestin as some birth control pills, but in a higher dose at 1.5mg dose, around 4x higher than what is found in most single birth control pills. The pill will work best when taken as soon as possible up to 72 hours. You can take it up to 120 hours (5 days), but we’re going with best before 72 hours.

How well it works will depend on when you take it during your cycle, how far away you take it after intercourse, and even weight or BMI. Its efficacy ranges from around 40-85% as it continues to be studied.

Remember, Plan B or any other emergency contraception does NOT protect you against STIs / STDs.

Understanding the Menstrual cycle

Let’s briefly describe the menstrual cycle so you can have a better understanding of what is happening during your cycle and how the pill will work. The female reproductive system functions cyclically approximately every 24-36 days.

The first day of your menstrual cycle is the first day of your period — spotting doesnt count as day 1, you’re looking for your full bleed. It is also the start of the follicular phase, or the first half of your cycle between the first day of your period to ovulation. Here, your hormones are at their lowest (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) from your brain signals the immature follicles(each housing an immature egg) in your ovaries to develop, eventually leading to one dominant follicle in one of your ovaries. 

This growing follicle produces an increasing amount of estrogen. This estrogen stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining and causes the cervix to produce fertile-quality cervical mucus.  A swift rise in estrogen stimulates the release of LH (luteinizing hormone) from the brain which triggers ovulation around 24-36 hours after, releasing the mature egg from the follicle into your fallopian tube. This is ovulation. This egg will survive 12-24 hours unless fertilized.

Entering the second half of the cycle, aka the luteal phase. LH transforms this now empty follicle into something called the corpus luteum. This corpus luteum will secrete a high level of progesterone which stabilizes the uterine lining and nourishes it. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum will break down around 12 days later, resulting in the drop of progesterone and estrogen leading to your period and day 1 of your new cycle. If the egg is fertilized, it will make its way through the fallopian tube for 4-5 days, then implant in your uterus around a week after ovulation. The “pregnancy test hormone”, hCG, is now being produced causing the corpus luteum to continue making progesterone for about 10 weeks until the placenta can take over.

How Plan B Works

Simply, plan B is meant to work by postponing ovulation. No egg released means no fertilization by sperm, which means no pregnancy.

As you read above, estrogen dominates the first half of your menstrual cycle. And progesterone in the second half, after ovulation. By taking this synthetic progesterone in the first half of your cycle before ovulation, it may suppress FSH, which inhibits the development and maturation of the follicle housing the egg. It can also inhibit the LH surge thereby stopping ovulation from occuring.

Sperm can only live up to 5 days when fertile-quality mucus is present. By halting ovulation, it is proposed that this gives time for the sperm to die before ovulating, thus preventing pregnancy. 

This is the main mechanism of plan B — pushing ovulation before that LH spike happens. But studies show that the closer you take plan B in your fertile window to that LH surge, the less this primary mechanism will work. This means that the closer you are to ovulation, the less chance it has of working this way — the study if you’re interested — Basically studies that women who are in their fertile phase closer to ovulation still end up ovulating anyway (but don’t necessarily end up pregnant) A flaw in this study is the unknown BMI of these women, as they all took the single pill dose of 1.5mg plan b — perhaps they needed higher dose if over a certain BMI?

If your LH has already surged, which occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation, or you’ve already ovulated, that egg will be in your fallopian tube, or already is, and will be ready to meet a nice sperm. Thus plan B will not work to prevent pregnancy in that way. So then it’s up to natural odds of getting pregnant which is around 25-40% depending.

At the same time, the plan b can be demonstrated to impair luteal function and may adversely affect the implantation or survival of the embryo if the egg does get fertilized. “Durand et al. found that LNG delivered before the LH surge had significant effects on key luteal function parameters needed for implantation of embryos. Reduced progesterone levels, shortened luteal phases, blunted LH levels, and impaired luteal phase endometrial expression of progesterone-dependent glycodelin-A, were prominent findings of this serial research (^{Durand et al. 2005, 2010, 2001}).” (Cleland et al., 2014). So basically the plan b still may help prevent in different ways (we need more studies).

Originally one of its main mechanisms was to prevent implantation, but current studies haven’t definitively proved this. The main argument is that it could slow motility. “There is evidence that LNG-EC may slow the transport of the newly fertilized ovum in the fallopian tube, which could cause it to arrive at the endometrium outside of the implantation window and lead to a failure to implant. ^{Mahmood et al. (1998}) noted that higher progesterone concentrations inhibited ciliary beat frequency in the fallopian tube. It is conceivable that high-dose levonorgestrel levels could have a similar effect.” (Lundsberg et al., 2014)⁸

It is important to note that Plan B is NOT an abortion pill, this is not its mechanism. However, some studies suggest that it may have implications for preventing fertilization or early embryo survival (very early before you would even know or it to implant). Basically, it is not an abortion pill, and will not affect the fetus in this way if you are already pregnant. I have resources down below if needed.

Progestin-based birth control can also change cervical mucus quality resulting in an inhospitable environment for sperm or reducing sperm motility, but it seems that the one-time dose of the emergency contraception pill doesnt compare, having little to no effect on mucus quality. But what may happen, from this study, is it may affect the survival of the embryo past this point. (Again down below)

Again, studies are ongoing, we may see different methods of action more clearly in future studies.

So basically, It is hard to predict where you are in your cycle, especially if you are not actively charting your cycle. This is why most would recommend taking it just in case. I am not here to tell you whether to take it or not. If you know where you are in your cycle and chart meticulously you can use your best judgment to see if it is right and worth it for you.

Is it Worth Taking Plan B during ovulation?

This is tricky because studies suggest that it isn’t really helpful in pushing ovulation if you take it in the 3 days before the LH surge, during the LH surge (24-36 hours before ovulation), or on ovulation day. Once the LH spike occurs and even a few days before this, the method of action (of pushing ovulation) chances goes down to where ovulation is still occurring in most individuals. (were they taking a strong enough dose though?) So it may not be helpful in that sense, but again may still help prevent.

What some studies suggest, is that it could cause tubal transport impairment thus reducing the chance of implanting or reducing progesterone amounts, impairing the continuation of a pregnancy early on before you’d even know. More studies need to be done on this. Basically stating that it may have other methods of action for reducing the chance of pregnancy.

It is hard to know exactly when you ovulate. Especially if you have an irregular cycle, are under mental or physical stress, and are using app-based methods to track your cycle. So, taking it may be worth it to reduce pregnancy risk regardless of where you think you are in your cycle.

This doesn’t mean I think you should be popping it yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Keep in mind that this synthetic hormone will disrupt your cycle, so keep that in mind when you choose to use it. But it’s better than not using anything most of the time.

If you are looking for something with a higher chance of preventing pregnancy, you may want to look into the ‘Ella’ emergency contraception pill or copper IUD for emergency contraception (these you need to go to a doctor for or get a prescription ahead of time). Look into fertility awareness or other birth control methods for a ‘plan A’ to reduce the need for emergency contraception in general.’

How Will I Know if Plan B Worked?

Plan B can cause a lot of cycle disruption and change in your period, which can freak you out! And again how well it works depends on when and where you took it during your cycle, along with your own body chemistry.

You will only know it worked in retrospect when you get your true period (mostly moderate to heavy bleeding or what your normal bleeding would be like) or take a pregnancy test a couple of weeks after too. Usually around 2-3 weeks from when you had intercourse, you would test positive if you were indeed pregnant.

Getting a withdrawal bleed around 3-7 days after taking it is very common if you took it in the follicular phase (from day 1 period – ovulation), this can be another indicator that it worked (although this is not 100% reliable, I always suggest taking a test at that 2 weeks plus mark to confirm.

Now remember, if it indeed pushed/halted ovulation, you will still work back up to ovulation after (most of the time occurring directly after the withdrawal bleed – be careful during as well). This can differ per person some ovulating earlier than others. Keep an eye out for cervical mucus that is stretchy, lubricative, clear, abundant, or watery — this can indicate the approach of ovulation. Once you have ovulated your period should arrive about 12-14 days after on average. (NOTE IF YOU USE AN APP TO TRACK YOUR CYCLE IT WILL BE OFF)

Where do I purchase plan B?

Plan B doesnt require a prescription or consultation from a doctor (like Ella or Copper IUD does) and you should be able to find it at your local drug store or pharmacy. This is why it is more popular because it tends to be more accessible.

It is behind the pharmacy counter most of the time, so you can ask the pharmacist for a plan B, morning-after pill, or emergency contraception pill, and you pay for it there at the counter most times. Sometimes it is found on the shelf in the feminine hygiene aisle or condom aisle as well. There is no age limit on who can purchase this and no gender requirement and is around $10-50 CAD depending on the source.

It can be nerve-wracking to ask, but believe me there are tons of people going in for this. In my experience the people working there are always happy to help, not judgy, and also pretty discreet. I will say that the pharmacy in my area does ring the product scanner alarm when you go through the exit door with it, so just keep walking if you’re nervous, you paid and they will know that — pregnancy tests also seem to do this, sure most stores don’t do this though.

I’d suggest stocking up on a pack or two so it’s easier and less stressful if you ever need it. The pills don’t expire for about four years. You can also sometimes get them from health clinics, your local health unit, or a family planning center.

Now you can get them online as well, there are a lot of great websites coming out that will ship right to your door, just keep in mind shipping times.

• thepillclub.com
• afterpill.com
• choixhealth.com
• Getstix.com
• Three for freedom
• Hellowisp.com
• Twentyeighthealth.com.
• Planned Parenthood
• Amazon U.S has it (myChoice) and supposedly Costco for cheaper (just beware of sourcing off Amazon from unreputable sellers)

How to Take plan B

Plan B One-step or other brands containing a single dose of 1.5mg levonorgestrel pill is taken in a single dose within 72 hours (3 days) — this will work best — and a maximum of 120 hours (5 days) post intercourse, but the effectiveness is lower. Many only say up to 3 days for this reason.

Versions with 2 pills (0.75 mg) are taken 12 hours apart (you could take them at the same time as well if you think you’ll forget). Taking it with food may prevent some stomach upset from the pill. Read the package insert for your direct brand information.

Overall, the sooner you take it the higher the chance it will ‘work’.

If you throw up within 3 hours of taking it, a second dose of the pill is recommended.

Weight Does Matter: The efficacy of the plan B may differ for those weighing around more than 165lbs, or with a BMI of 25-30. There is no clear weight or BMI, this is because you could have a higher BMI but have more muscle than someone with a higher BMI due to adipose tissue (fat). This is due to blood concentrations of levonorgestrel seen in the blood. The plan b hormone can get ‘stuck’ in the fat cells preventing them from getting into the bloodstream and therefore not work as well.

This study here states, “Two recent pharmacokinetic studies found that serum concentration levels in women who took LNG 1.5 mg were about 50% lower in women who were considered obese compared with women who were not obese.” (Edelman et al., 2016)

It is still considered just as safe to take it and still is better than nothing, it just might not work as well. If this is you, you may want to double up on dosing (take 2) and it theoretically should increase the amount that reaches the bloodstream (this is still being researched currently). Another alternative is using a different pill called ELLA (efficacy may be reduced past 195lbs) or the COPPER IUD. These you would need a prescription for. Talk to your general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist.

So yes, some people do take two doses back-back. In theory, you should be able to take two different brands as well as long as they are both levonorgestrel. Check the dosing most are 1.5mg, and talk to your pharmacist to be sure.

Is there an expiry date?

Some people like to have one in their home for just-in-case scenarios! This way you save yourself the panic of running out to get one, or in the case of a long holiday or weekend.

These pills do expire but not for generally four years. It will say on the package when, check the expiry date.

I took plan B while on birth control is that okay?

Yes, you may take plan B (levonorgestrel) while on hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, ring, IUD, etc.

If you are taking your birth control correctly, it should be enough to prevent pregnancy and at higher effectiveness than plan B. But if you are using it as backup due to some incident, you may continue your birth control pill as normal. You may experience some spotting or brown bleeding during this time until you end your pack, this can be normal due to the variation of the hormonal amount of plan B compared to your birth control. (anecdotally i’ve seen period come a little later than nor al as well.)

****If you use another form of emergency contraception called “Ella”, which does not use the synthetic progestin found in plan B, but a different form and mechanism, you must wait 5 days to continue your use of birth control pills because it may affect how this Emergency contraception works.

Can I Take plan B if pregnant? 

Do not take plan B if you know you are pregnant. Plan B is not an abortion pill, more info is down below if this is your goal. If you took it and got pregnant, plan B and other brands state there is no harm to the fetus or any long-term birth defects. 

This study states there may be a reduction in progesterone in the luteal phase if taken prior to ovulation. Theoretically, this may cause a higher risk of miscarriage. Talk to your doctor about any concerns and you can test progesterone in blood work.

The risk of ectopic pregnancy (embryo implants in the fallopian tube) also seems to increase with emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel use, during that cycle if the contraception fails. This is due to possible tubal transport impairment. If you experience bad cramping on one side or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test, these could be symptoms. Talk to your doctor or head to the emergency depart

Can I Take plan B While Breastfeeding?

This is what one study said “Levonorgestrel gets into breastmilk in small amounts. When used as emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is not expected to be harmful to a child that is breastfeeding. A person who takes levonorgestrel as emergency contraception can breastfeed 3 to 4 hours after the dose (or after each dose if the two-dose method is used). Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.”(Rottenstreich, Sela, & Dahan, 2021)

There’s a lot of grey area here, use your best judgment.

Why Am I Spotting/bleeding After Taking Plan B?

If the pill was taken in the follicular phase (before ovulation), you may experience a withdrawal bleed around 3-7 days after taking the pill — sometimes a little later. This is really common. This may be a spotty, clotty, brown, red, a mixture, stringy, light bleed, or moderate (usually tends to be light-moderate but not as heavy as period but can be) and tends to last 3-6 days (sometimes bleeding can extend to two weeks – this may be the result of bleeding patches due to other hormone events making it seem like it never stopped or possibly a fibroid etc).

The withdrawal bleeding results from the withdrawal of the synthetic progesterone from your body resulting in a destabilization and withdrawal of some of your lining. This is normal and can be a good indicator you are not pregnant.

If you took it around your known ovulation date, this may be a period too. Plan b can decrease the number of days in your luteal phase leading to an early period. The only way to tell which one it was truly is an ultrasound or if you are tracking your temperature and you see that increase from prior days confirming that you in fact ovulated earlier near when you took the plan b. I find that some people will see a bleed around 8-11 days after taking it which may suggest that it was more of a true period than a withdrawal bleed.

Spotting multiple times after plan b

Spotting can also occur again before your true period, as your body may be working back up to ovulation but not quite get there. This can result in either a drop in estrogen, which can sometimes cause spotting as a withdrawal bleed, OR constant low estrogen resulting in a very-full uterine lining and some breakthrough bleeding or spotting occurs — this is commonly brown bleeding but can be red.

Implantation Bleeding after plan B

Implantation bleeding can be confused for this, or vice versa. Implantation bleeding usually occurs about 5-10 after fertilization of the sperm and egg. When the sperm first meets the egg it takes around 4-7 days for it to travel down the fallopian tube and implant into the uterus. Sometimes this implantation results in some lighter bleeding (spotting)— pink, brown, or bright red, and tends to last for a day or two max.

When should I expect my period after plan B?

This depends on when you took the plan B pill as well as your own body.

If you took it in your follicular phase before ovulation, you may see a delay in your cycle of few days to multiple weeks! Your body must continue its ovulation process to get your true period. You may see bleeding in between this time around 4-7 days post-pill, and may even skip ovulation again which may result in spotting again until your body trys again and works back up to it, this may be stress-induced as well. It depends on how sensitive your cycle is to hormones and stress.

Once you ovulate you would usually expect your period around 12-14 days from that point. You may see a shortened luteal phase resulting in an earlier period once ovulated as well.

You may have a lighter or heavier period once you get your true period and you may experience spotting on either end of your period.

 If you don’t get a period within 3 weeks of taking the pill I’d take a pregnancy test. You’re welcome to test sooner at about 14 days as well. 

You may see some spotting at various times, but not yet get a full period, this may be due to the delay in ovulation from the plan b hormone or stress on your body. Remember our bodies must feel safe to ovulate, stress can affect the cycle as well.

On the other side, if you take it in your fertile window before LH surge, studies tend to see a decrease in your luteal phase length of 5-11 days, if you happen to ovulate normally (Cleland et al., 2014). In this case, you may see a decrease in the cycle length of that time and get a period earlier. When I was reading this paper, it was hard to tell if that was a true period or a withdrawal bleed they were counting as a period.

If you took it during ovulation. Again it may not work as well, but if you are indeed not pregnant you should expect your period around the same time. If you don’t get one within a couple of weeks id take a pregnancy test to be sure.

If you took it in your luteal phase, after ovulation, depending on where you took it within your luteal phase, your true period may be delayed around 5 days. You normally get your period due to the withdrawal of your body’s own progesterone and estrogen. If you take the synthetic progestin this may lengthen the time to your period. Occurring most often when taking Plan B closer to your period. This may lengthen your bleeding as well. Again if you don’t get a period within 2 weeks, test, you may have not been in your luteal phase after all.

If you took it on your period, you may see your period get lighter or stop altogether, then resume after a little due to the synthetic progestin. This can lengthen the time on your period or cause another bleed to come right after and extra spotting.

Bleeding for a Long Time after plan B

Some women may experience lengthy bleeding of upward of two weeks. It’s hard to say what this is exactly caused by, as it can be different for each woman. Usually, it subsides and things go back to normal. Heavy, long bleeding after taking plan b is more uncommon. It can be due to hormonal imbalance after taking the pill with an increased chance of hormonal imbalance already exists or there is a form of uterine abnormality — like a polyp or fibroid (non-cancerous growths that are pretty common)—that could cause prolonged bleeding in theory. If bleeding does not subside by 2-3 weeks, it’s always best to get checked out if you feel you need to.

Alternatively spotting or bleeding for a lengthy amount of time could coincidently happen the same time you take plan b, but could be caused by an infection or other hormonal abnormality and is best to get checked out by a doctor if been happening prior to taking the plan b, especially if accompanied by itching, burning or other symptoms — sometimes no symptoms are present at all.

Again spotting at various points can make it seem like you are bleeding for a while but this is less of a concern as mentioned above, you may just be working up to ovulation and having some breakthrough bleeding. If this kind of activity happens in future cycles, this would be considered abnormal and best to your GP.

If bleeding does not subside or is accompanied by very painful cramps on one or both sides, head to your general practitioner (GP) to get checked out, it may be something else or an ectopic pregnancy.

Side Effects of Plan B

When I took plan B the first time I felt pretty good with no side effects I remember. The second time I felt nauseous, and had cramping and brown spotting 6 days post pill that lasted for about 4 days then spotted brefily a week and a half later again. Then ovulated the following week. I experienced a BIG delay in ovulation and thus my period. It was a 70 day cycle (my cycle is very sensitive). That could have resulted due to other stresses or a combination of them both. The point is that your experience may change each time you take it.

Common symptoms or side effects include:

• Nausea
• vomiting
• cramping or lower abdominal pain
• fatigue
• dizziness
• headaches
• breast tenderness
• diarrhea
• menstrual changes
• spotting

These can pop up a few hours after the pill and last about 24 hours or longer. Spotting may occur as well at different points in your cycle. Your period may also be heavier or lighter and last longer or shorter. If you want to read further on other symptoms/risks head here.

Please seek medical advice If you experience flooding / heavy long bleeding, extremely painful cramping, missing a period for more than a couple of months with a negative test, bleeding or bad cramping with a positive test, or any other concern or allergic reaction or symptom that seems abnormal.

Drug Interactions with plan B

Drugs that may reduce the effect of plan B include barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John’s wort, topiramate, and certain anti-retroviral therapies. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor. 

Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Using Plan B?

The short answer is no, unless you’re popping them like candy and it contributes to a hormonal imbalance short-term it may cause some delays. For once in a while use, as they are intended to be used is likely okay and won’t harm fertility long-term.

The Long answer. There are many possible short and long-term implications from taking the progestin and estrogen hormonal birth controls chronically (aka. every day for a long time), like in birth control pills, IUD, shots, rings or patches. These may include possible increased risk of: cardiovascular disease, blood sugar dysregulation, osteoporosis, nutritional imbalances, mood changes, gut imbalance, vaginal microbiome changes, possible decaying of cervical crypts — thus reduced cervical mucus, etc. Read The Benefits of Having a Regular Menstrual Cycle Here

This is due to the long-term use of synthetic progesterone and its different actions on the body as opposed to the body’s natural progesterone and the use of estrogen in these methods. Birth control pills can inhibit the natural ovulatory cycle and cause changes in the cycle leading to indirect short or long-term health implications. This could have an indirect effect on fertility by possibly reducing the overall chance of a successful pregnancy due to these issues. These problems could be underlying the whole time but not seen as well, so hard to say if its the chicken or the egg. This needs more studies. Note that no study has shown a direct link to infertility.

One can argue that Plan B shares certain risks due to the same synthetic progestin used, although it does NOT contain estrogen which some of the risks of birth control pills are associated with. Although it is used short term and in a smaller dose long term than subsequent birth control pills or hormonal IUD. In this case, it has been stated that it is considered safe and has no measurable long-term effects. No study has found a link between plan b and infertility.

Given that, I certainly would not want to rely on plan B as a regular form of birth control. It is intended for occasional use. An important part of having a natural cycle is ovulating, and if the plan B is causing hormonal disruption and causing anovulation or hormonal irregularities, it could affect you short-term and cause hormone dysregulation and PMS symptoms, or long-term if taken too many times back to back, thus disrupting your cycle. This technically can affect short-term fertility. That’s sort of the point.

If you find you are taking it too frequently, which is hard to say what too frequently is—this will be different for everybody. I would look into an alternative birth control method. Like the IUD or FAM if you want something hormone-free READ 7 Hormone Free Birth Control Methods!

Will Plan B cause NEXT cycles to come late?

The manufacturers state that it shouldn’t affect the following cycles but in theory, i’d say the pill could disrupt the next few cycles. Here are some theories on how.

1. Hormonal Imbalance: Levonorgestrel, as a synthetic progestin, can temporarily disrupt the delicate balance of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. After taking the emergency contraceptive, it may take some time for the body to readjust to its normal hormonal rhythm. This readjustment period could potentially result in delays in subsequent ovulations and menstrual periods.
2. Follicular Development: As mentioned earlier, the follicular phase involves the maturation of multiple eggs over several months before ovulation. The last three months are particularly crucial in the development process. (This is one of the reasons why sometimes we say to wait three months for results when trying to balance hormones) While the primary impact of levonorgestrel is on the final stages of egg maturation and ovulation, it might have subtle effects on the earlier stages of follicular development. These effects could contribute to delays in subsequent cycles as the system normalizes.
3. Individual Variability: Each woman’s body responds differently to hormonal changes. Some individuals may experience a quicker return to normal menstrual cycles after taking levonorgestrel, while others might take longer. Factors such as overall health, STRESS (this is common), diet, exercise, weight changes, underlying hormonal balance, and genetics could contribute to these individual variations.

Will plan B affect Pregnancy and Fertility in the Future?

Again, there aren’t any direct long-term effects noted. However, as I mentioned above if you’re popping them like candy it will affect hormone regulation and one can argue that it may be harder to conceive and affect fertility short term due to this. With the occasional use, it doesnt seem to cause a problem long-term.

How Many Times Can You Take Plan B, is there a Limit?

There is no limit. You can take it more than once per cycle if you find yourself in that position, there is no cap on the number of times you can take it.

But again, I would try to avoid relying on it if it is happening more than once in a while. It isn’t because it will make you infertile long-term, but due to the progestin disrupting your cycle and causing hormonal irregularities. Plus it’s expensive, can make you feel crappy, and it’s no fun dealing with an irregular cycle.

If you are taking them often, i’d look into another birth control method as these can be more reliable.

Can I Have Sex After Taking Plan B?

You can have intercourse after taking plan B. Use alternative protection. If you have another slip-up another dose would technically be required.

Will Plan B Cause Hormonal Imbalance?

This will look different for everyone. Yes, it will disrupt your hormone balance as you are introducing a synthetic form of progesterone into your body. This is why you can experience symptoms. Most cycles return to normal the next month or within a few cycles. 

You may experience changes to your periods like heavier or light bleeding, spotting, brown bleeding, sore breasts or nipples and more intense PMS or cramping.

If your cycle has not returned to YOUR normal in the following three months I would investigate this further. If you have yet to have a period after one month and have already had negative pregnancy tests, I would also investigate this further. If you have yet to have a period in the two to three weeks following the plan B I would take a pregnancy test.

To get things back on track faster focus on eating healthy, eating enough calories, getting enough sleep and sunshine, moving your body, reducing stress, and doing things you enjoy!

I Think I May be Pregnant, What are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Again everyone’s experience is different. 

Some signs of pregnancy are implantation bleeding, occurring around 5-10 days post conception due to the embryo implanting into the uterine wall. This may be pinky, red, or brown and tends to be a small amount for one to three days.

You may become more irritable, fatigued, and crampy, notice digestion changes, and bowel changes, or notice sore or swollen breasts and or nipples. Don’t worry too much as these can also be symptoms that your period is coming or other hormonal imbalance reasons. If you are uncertain take a pregnancy test a couple of weeks post-pill if you still haven’t got a period.

When should I take a pregnancy Test after plan B?

If you are in fact pregnant, a pregnancy test should show a positive test result by 2-3 weeks post plan B. This is because your body will start to produce hCG around 6-8 days after conception. A blood test is more sensitive and can confirm pregnancy earlier. A urine pregnancy test will test around the 10-day mark, depending on how sensitive the test is. If you test too early the hCG that it tests for may not show up yet showing a false negative. So if you have suspicions, retest if you tested early. Once you pass the 3-week mark, it’s pretty safe to say you aren’t pregnant.

Keep in mind that if you continue having intercourse during that time, there is a possibility you could get pregnant in that time frame if you have yet to ovulate, and you ovulated in the following weeks following plan B. That’s why they say, to use protection after plan B and if you had another oopsy to take another plan B.

Any Pregnancy Test Recommendations?

From what I’ve heard, the clear blue digitals are the most sensitive (but also the most expensive). I saw a TikTok of someone comparing them and which ones showed that she was pregnant first. The First Response brand was also a good one and the strips off Amazon we fine as well (and cheaper)!

These tests test for the hcg hormone and some have different thresholds than others. Most of the time I’d say they’re pretty similar. Remember to throw it out if negative as it may become incorrect if left for a very long period of time. It’s not common for a pregnancy test to show a false-positive, but could happen so test again if confused. It is more common for it to show a false negative, so be sure you are not testing too early.

Also, be sure you are in fact taking a pregnancy test and not an ovulation test. An ovulation test will always show two lines and can cause unnecessary panic.

I am Pregnant What do I do?

If you get a positive test result on the pregnancy test, you can call your doctor or practitioner to go in for bloodwork to confirm the pregnancy. Plan B doesnt seem to have an effect on the embryo and also doesnt show any increase in birth defect risk.

The only thing I’ve read so far is that depending on when you took it, it may lower the amount of progesterone your body is producing, thus theoretically leading to the possibility of increased miscarriage risk. You can test progesterone levels through blood as well at the same time you do bloodwork if you are concerned. Keep in mind, this is NOT an abortion pill and will not work this way.

If you do not want to follow through with the pregnancy, see below.

I Don’t Want to Follow Through With this Pregnancy

This is your choice and yours only. No one has the right to dictate whether your reasoning is valid enough. There are plenty of reasons why a woman, and those with a uterus, decide it is not right for them. This could be due to medical circumstances, finances, education, not the right time, or simply don’t want to. You don’t have to provide an explanation to anyone.

If you are not looking to follow through with the pregnancy there may be resources like women’s health clinics in your area. Many clinics in legal areas provide a discrete service that you can contact directly which allows you to skip talking to your family doctor or provider if that is what you prefer.

A normal procedure in Canada is a call to their clinic directly, you’ll speak with someone and they’ll book you an initial appointment with your healthcare number (may be different in the States or other countries). You will go get an ultrasound to confirm and have your appointment and any support you may need, along with the next steps.

Click HERE for a list of clinics in Canada.

*IF IN A COUNTRY / STATE WHERE ABORTION IS ILLEGAL. Be aware that there may be illegal clinics practicing or clinics that falsely advertise this kind of service. Please be aware of these risks and be sure you are contacting a legitimate and safe site or source.

From the recent limitations and access in certain countries, you may still be able to get abortion pills where you live. In all 50 states, you still have access to these pills, and a website called mayday.health can help give you resources to get these. These work up to 10-11 weeks from your last menstrual period.

You would take them in the comfort of your own home. if anything goes wrong and you need emergency care, according to Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (2022), you technically do not have to tell them you took these pills, they can’t tell, and it wouldn’t change the care they provide to you — it will look like a miscarriage and treated the same— source Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (2022). I say this because I don’t want the world’s situation to prevent you from getting help if you need it. Be careful where you are sourcing these pills, USE A TRUSTED SOURCE like mayday.health or planned parenthood. THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. 

Conclusion

There are many reasons you may take plan B or other emergency contraceptives. It can be anxiety-inducing and confusing. I hope this clears some things up on what to expect and provides some comfort.

Remember, there are ongoing studies that revolve around the efficacy and mechanism of emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel aka plan b. I will update this post with the most updated information I am aware of and to the best of my ability. This is not medical advice. If you have any questions I encourage you to talk to your GP.

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References

1. Tandon, R., & Gupta, S. (2016). Emergency contraception: A review. Journal of Mid-Life Health, 7(1), 3-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-7800.178149
2. Batur, P., Cleland, K., McNamara, M., & Creinin, M. D. (2018). Emergency Contraception: A Focus on the Copper Intrauterine Device. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 36(1), 20-25. DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660848.
3. Marions, L., Hultenby, K., Lindell, I., Sun, X. M., & Ståbi, B. (2013). Emergency contraception: Mechanisms of action. Contraception, 87(3), 300-308. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.08.029
4. Rottenstreich, M., Sela, H. Y., & Dahan, M. H. (2021). Emergency Contraception. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583410/
5. Lundsberg, L. S., Bellows, A. L., Benjamin, A., Westhoff, C. L., & Castaño, P. M. (2014). Emergency contraception: Update and review. Open Access Journal of Contraception, 5, 67-78. doi: 10.2147/OAJC.S44260. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4313438/
6. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/levonorgestrel-side-effects.html
7. Schwarz, E. B., Kavanaugh, M. L., Douglas, E., Dubowitz, T., & Creinin, M. D. (2017). Emergency contraception. UpToDate [Internet]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5357708/
8. Stewart, F., & Trussell, J. (2019). Emergency contraception. Open Access Journal of Contraception, 10, 85-92. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691316/
9. Akbayır, O., & Dülger, G. A. (2015). Emergency contraception: Knowledge and attitudes among family medicine trainees in Turkey. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(1), 39-43. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325579/
10. Edelman, A., Micks, E., Gallo, M. F., Jensen, J. T., Grimes, D. A., & Coutifaris, C. (2016). Impact of obesity on the pharmacokinetics of levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception: single and double dosing. Contraception, 93(4), 355-361. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4826072/