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Plan B, also called the morning-after pill, can stop you from getting pregnant, but it may come with side effects like bleeding. It's normal to have some bleeding after taking Plan B, but if your bleeding is especially heavy or lasts longer than a few days, you may need to see your doctor. Here's what you need to know about bleeding after taking Plan B and when you should see a doctor. "It is common for there to be unexpected or atypical bleeding after taking Plan B," says Felice Gersh, MD, the medical director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine. Around 15% of people experience bleeding right after taking Plan B, before their period starts. This means that you may have spots, but that your period doesn't start right away. In other cases, Plan B can trigger your period to come early, so bleeding may be a sign that it's working, Gersh says. Bleeding can start and stop any time in the first three weeks after taking Plan B. The length of your bleeding can vary, but it generally won't last longer than a few days. Plan B works by delivering a chemical called levonorgestrel, which mimics the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. Levonorgestrel can stop your ovaries from releasing an egg or stop a fertilized egg from implanting in your uterus. Taking Plan B can cause bleeding because levonorgestrel changes the stability of the uterine lining that you shed during your period, which can lead to unexpected bleeding, Gersh says. Other side effects of plan BIn addition to bleeding, Plan B can cause other side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Plan B are nausea and cramping, while vomiting and diarrhea are rarer. When to see a doctorIn rare cases, bleeding after taking Plan B can be a sign of something more serious, especially if it comes with other symptoms like severe abdominal pain. Generally, bleeding after Plan B shouldn't last much longer than a week, so prolonged bleeding can be a sign of a problem. It's also concerning if your bleeding is too heavy, meaning you have to change your pad or tampon at least every two hours for longer than a day, Gersh says. If you're having any of these symptoms after taking Plan B, it's best to see your gynecologist to make sure there isn't a more serious issue. Other symptoms that should raise an alarm include:
Also, if any of the normal side effects like nausea or cramping last more than a day or feel severe to you, it's best to get medical attention, Gersh says. Insider's takeawayIt's normal to experience bleeding after taking Plan B, especially if you get your period early or just have light spotting. It's also normal to have mild side effects, such as nausea or cramps. But if your symptoms feel severe or your bleeding doesn't stop after a week, it's best to reach out to your doctor to check if there is a more serious issue. Related stories from Health Reference:
Read the original article on Insider For women who have recently had birth control fail them, or may have forgotten it altogether, the morning after pill can be a life saver. Emergency contraception, such as Plan B or ella, should never be relied on as your main form of birth control, but can be extraordinarily helpful if something happens and you end up needing to
prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It is important to note that the morning after pill is NOT the same as an abortion pill. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy, while abortion terminates an existing pregnancy. Taking the morning after pill can be a little scary if you don’t know what to expect.
Many women wonder how the pill will affect their next period, especially because they’re eager to get it and confirm they’re not pregnant. Let’s take a look at what your first period after emergency contraception will look like. The way the morning after pill works is by delivering a high dose of a hormone called levonorgestrel, a type of progestin or artificial progesterone. When your body gets bombarded
with this hormone, it can affect your period (and entire menstrual cycle) in a few different ways: After taking emergency contraception, it is normal to experience some light bleeding or spotting as an effect of the extra hormones. It is important to note that this bleeding is not the same as your period. Here’s what you can expect from any morning after pill
bleeding: If you find yourself in need of the morning after pill, South Avenue Women’s can help. Our medical professionals can help you access emergency contraception and then set you up with a reliable
birth control option. If you missed the window for emergency contraception and are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, we can also can provide information about and perform safe, confidential, and effective abortion
services if you decide that’s what is right for you. Call us today at 585-271-3850 to schedule an appointment with our caring team members! How long after Plan B do you bleed?Plan B contains a synthetic form of a naturally occurring hormone, which allows it to prevent ovulation. It does not cause an abortion. Some people who take Plan B experience light bleeding or spotting for up to 1 month afterward, and this goes away on its own.
Do you bleed the day you take Plan B?Bleeding can start any time after taking Plan B — some people start bleeding as early as eight hours after. "It is common for there to be unexpected or atypical bleeding after taking Plan B," says Felice Gersh, MD, the medical director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine.
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