Introduction
Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is a form of emergency contraception used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Plan B is capable of delaying or preventing ovulation and inhibiting fertilization. As this form of contraception is not intended to be used regularly, understanding the implications of using it before you make a decision is important. One potential side effect that many people have questions about is whether or not Plan B can give you a period.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about Plan B, including:
- What it does
- What its side effects are
- If/how it affects menstrual cycles
We also provide tips for reducing your risk of needing emergency contraception in the first place. By educating yourself on the details behind Plan B and other methods of emergency contraception, you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health choices.
What is Plan B?
Plan B is a type of emergency contraceptive that can be taken after unprotected sex to reduce the chance of pregnancy. It contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which can help prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary, or it can prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Plan B is not the same as an abortion pill and it will not terminate an existing pregnancy.
In this article, we will discuss what Plan B is and how it works.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B is an emergency contraception that reduces the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. It works by stopping ovulation or fertilization and prevents the fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterus.
When taken as directed, Plan B can reduce the chances of getting pregnant by more than 90%. It is important to note that Plan B cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Plan B can be taken either as one pill or two pills taken 12 hours apart. Both doses contain levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, that can help prevent ovulation or stop a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The drug should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but it becomes less effective if not taken as soon as possible.
The effectiveness of Plan B is not affected by taking other medications or vitamins. Some women may experience side effects such as nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain and fatigue. In some cases, Plan B may cause irregular bleeding and some women may even get their period sooner or later than expected.
What are the Side Effects of Plan B?
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes referred to as a “morning after” pill) that can be used within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It is available over-the-counter in most countries, though often with certain age restrictions. While Plan B is generally safe and effective, it has a few potential side effects that users should be aware of.
Common side effects may include:
- headache
- nausea
- fatigue
- irregular menstrual bleeding
- abdominal pain
These should go away within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. More serious side effects are rare but may include:
- allergic reactions such as hives and swelling
- liver injury
- dangerously high blood pressure (due to an increase in progesterone)
Women who have taken Plan B may experience lighter or heavier periods than usual, spotting between periods or a delay in their next period by up to several weeks or months. If you have taken Plan B and experience three or more missed menstrual periods, contact your doctor for follow up testing.
It’s important for users of Plan B to remember that it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI), so it’s necessary to use condoms during every sexual encounter if you’re concerned about STI transmission.
Does Plan B Cause a Period?
Plan B is a form of emergency contraceptive for women that can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse as a form of emergency contraception. One question many women have is whether Plan B causes a period.
In this article, we will discuss the facts about Plan B and how it may affect your menstrual cycle.
How Long Does it Take for Plan B to Cause a Period?
The components of Plan B, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, can have a wide range of effects on the menstrual cycle and reproductive system. The most common effect is that the pill may delay or stop the onset of the user’s next period. However, in some cases taking Plan B can cause a person to experience an unexpected period earlier than usual.
When it comes to understanding exactly how long it takes for Plan B to cause a period, it is important to note that every individual’s body responds differently to emergency contraception. In general, it is thought that if you normally experience your period between 24-48 hours and take Plan B within this time frame, you are more likely to experience your regular cycle as scheduled with minimal effect from the pill. On the other hand, if you take Plan B more than 48 hours after your expected period date, then there is a higher chance that taking emergency contraception could disrupt hormonal effects which can trigger the start of bleeding before your normal cycle arrives.
As with all birth control methods you should speak with your healthcare provider prior to taking any medication for more information about its effects on your body and ovulation cycle.
What Other Factors Can Affect When You Get Your Period?
Changes in your menstrual cycle can be affected by several factors, not just Plan B. As your body ages, you may experience changes in your hormones and find that your menstrual cycle is shorter or longer than usual. Stress, illnesses, and medications can also cause changes to when and how often you get your period.
Hormonal birth control methods like the pill or IUDs can also affect when you get your period and the heaviness of flow. When starting hormonal birth control (or switching from one form to another) it’s common to have a period every two to three weeks or even go months without one. It takes time for the body to adjust to the new levels of hormones released by these methods, but most will eventually regulate to a typical 28-day cycle.
Finally, if you’re pregnant (or suspect that you might be), then this can disrupt when you get your period as well, since progesterone levels are elevated during pregnancy stopping all shedding of uterine lining throughout pregnancy preventing bleeding that is normally present during menstruation. If you are experiencing any of these changes it’s important to talk with a medical professional who can help guide conversation regarding anything impacting your overall fertility or health.
Conclusion
Overall, taking the morning-after pill can affect your menstruation. It can change when it arrives or how much bleeding you experience. If your period is a week or more late after taking Plan B, it is important to take a pregnancy test in case you are pregnant.
Remember that Plan B does not offer any protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This means if you had unprotected sex, it is still important to get tested for STIs. It’s also important to remember that the morning-after pill may only prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
Ultimately, if you are concerned about changes in your period after taking the morning-after pill, speak with your healthcare provider for further advice and reassurance.