Plan B is also referred to as the "morning after pill". It is taken by those who have unprotected sex, or use a condom that splits during intercourse. These instances can lead to ejaculation in the vagina which can cause impregnation. Plan B will help to prevent this from happening, but it may affect your period. If you have taken plan B and are wondering, "Does Plan B affect your period?" you have come to the right place.
What Is Plan B?
Plan B is a contraceptive pill which uses hormones that are lab-created to prevent impregnation by stopping ovulation, especially after unprotected sex. It is a combination of two pills which are consumed simultaneously within three days of intercourse (consumption within 12 hours will increase Plan B's effectiveness). Plan B operates in many ways to avoid impregnation, rather than aborting pregnancies. It temporarily prevents the ovary from releasing an egg and stops fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterus. Plan B is not suitable for use as contraception and can't replace standard birth control practices.
Does Plan B Affect Your Period?
Although useful for those not ready for parenthood, Plan B can affect your period, like causing spotting or vaginal bleeding. So it's important to ensure you fully understand what effect Plan B may have on your body.
1. Delayed Period
Plan B contains high amounts of a hormone called progesterone which is produced naturally in a woman's body and slows down ovulation. Progesterone level is high during pregnancy, which stops the entire ovulation process and period. Plan B delivers a high amount of progesterone into your body, which essentially tricks your body to believe that you're pregnant and periods should be delayed. Although it usually should take a few days or weeks to have your period again, in some cases it can take months to regain your natural menstrual cycle.
2. Heavier Period
A common reaction to the consumption of Plan B is heavier menstruation. Plan B is reported to cause heavier menstrual bleeding in around 30% of those who consumed the pill in clinical trials.
3. Menstrual Cramp Changes
Some users of Plan B have reported experiencing more intense menstrual cramps once their period has started. This can be attributed to the hormones in Plan B, which can change the intensity of menstrual cramps. Although stronger cramps are a common side effect, not all users will experience them, and some have reported having lighter menstrual cramps after taking Plan B.
Other Side Effects of Plan B
Now you have known the answer to "Does Plan B affect your period?", it's time to learn more side effects of consuming Plan B. But experiences are very individual and vary from person to person. If you have taken Plan B or are planning to, it is important to know what the side effects may be.
- Common side effects of Plan B include nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Less common side effects of Plan B include sudden stomach cramps, uterine or vaginal hemorrhaging, itching, rashes or any of the effects noted above being persistent or worsening.
In some instances, the use of Plan B is not advisable. If you have irregular vaginal bleeding, allergies to the ingredients, or a confirmed/suspected pregnancy, the use of Plan B is best avoided.
For further information on plan B, check out the link below for a video explaining Plan B in further detail: