This is one type of progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progestogen, which the body naturally produces. When penetrative sex can lead to pregnancy, the chances are higher if sex occurs right before or right after ovulation, when an ovary releases an egg.
If ovulation occurs after taking Plan B, the drug can help reduce the risk of the egg implanting in the uterus, leading to pregnancy. Using Plan B involves taking a single pill right away and a second pill 12 hours later. The two doses are identical — both contain 0. Emerging research suggests that taking the two pills at the same time may be just as effective as taking them separately.
Plan B can work for up to hours after unprotected sex, though prescribing guidelines generally recommend starting the dosage within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The earlier a person takes the drug, the better it may work. Also, while no research has specifically studied women who became pregnant after using Plan B, there is no evidence that taking any progestin-based birth control method increases the risk of abnormalities in fetal development.
Most research on Plan B is somewhat dated. Whether Plan B can successfully prevent pregnancy depends, in part, on how soon a person takes it and the stage of their menstrual cycle. Plan B may be less effective in people who weigh more than pounds. However, very little research supports this idea. Also, the drug poses no additional risks to people who weigh more than this, so it is likely still worth considering.
Side effects of Plan B are similar to those of other birth control pills. The FDA have reported that, according to results of trials, the most common side effects include:. Hormonal contraceptives are not safe for everyone. However, the effects of single-use emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B, are not the same as the effects of long-term use. Still, people for whom taking hormonal birth control is unsafe should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Plan B.
No research has linked any deaths to the use of Plan B. In the weeks after taking Plan B, light spotting between periods or a heavier flow are not typically a cause for concern. However, if these issues do not go away within a month or so, something other than Plan B may be responsible. Heavy bleeding and intense pain can signal a serious underlying condition, such as endometriosis. Also, heavy bleeding can indicate an early miscarriage. A healthcare provider should assess all heavy bleeding.
If the bleeding results from pregnancy loss, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove remaining tissue. If Plan B is ineffective, pregnancy can occur. A healthcare provider can describe further options, and it is best to consult them as soon as possible. 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.
It also makes no difference where you are in your menstrual cycle. The important thing to know is that the sooner you take it, the better the chance that it will work.
Certain medications can make Plan B less effective. If you take any of these or if you ever had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel, see your doctor as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, but there are alternative methods of emergency contraception they can recommend. Keep in mind that emergency contraception offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections STIs. Side effects are temporary and you should be back to normal soon.
Do contact your doctor if:. Plan B is a safe and effective way to lower your chances of becoming pregnant after having unprotected sex. It can cause unexpected spotting, bleeding, and menstrual irregularities, but these side effects are temporary. Heavy bleeding accompanied by other symptoms could be a sign that something more serious is going on.
You can and should take Plan B and other EC pills as…. But remember, whatever happens, you aren't alone and you have options. Learn about emergency contraception, including what to do and what to expect afterward. Abnormal uterine bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. When it comes to emergency contraception, there can be a lot of confusion.
Natural Cycles and other fertility awareness apps can be an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Women's Health. Primary Care. Mental Health. More Button Icon Circle with three vertical dots. It indicates a way to see more nav menu items inside the site menu by triggering the side menu to open and close.
Madeline Kennedy. This article was medically reviewed by G. Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness.
For more information, visit our medical review board. Bleeding after Plan B is normal — it could be spotting or a sign of an early period. You may also experience symptoms like breast tenderness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. But it could be implantation bleeding if it occurs days after you've last ovulated.
Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice. Madeline Kennedy is a health writer for Insider covering a wide range of topics including reproductive and sexual health, mental health, nutrition, and infectious disease. Before joining Insider, Madeline worked as a health news writer for Reuters, and a domestic violence therapist. She has a master's degree in social work from UPenn and is interested in the intersection of health and social justice. Additional comments.
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