Steph asked
Does Plan B affect birth control? I am on day 8 on the pill but I took Plan B yesterday because I was paranoid that I didn’t wait a full 24 hours. I did not skip any pills but would I have to wait another 7 days since I took Plan B? Also would I be able to have unprotected sex tomorrow and not get pregnant?
Answer
After taking Plan B, it is important to continue to take your birth control pills as you normally would. Plan B, a high dose of the progestin levonorgestrel, does not continually provide contraception against additional acts of unprotected sex. If you take a daily birth control pills, continue to take it as normally scheduled for continual protection from pregnancy.
Taking Plan B While Taking Birth Control Pills
Most individuals will not have major problems or issues taking Plan B while also on birth control pills. As Plan B contains a high dose of a progestin, there is a small chance of side effects that include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Menstrual pattern changes (e.g. delayed period)
- Spotting
In the majority of cases, you can expect to get your period at the same time you usually get it after taking Plan B. According to the Plan B prescribing information:
- Most women (87%) have their period at their expected time or within 7 days.
- Around 13% of women have a delay of more than 7 days beyond the expected date of menses.
- A small percentage (<1%) of women experience amenorrhea (absence of menses). If it has been more than 7 days from your expected menses, it is important to consider the possibility of pregnancy. You should make an appointment with your doctor to be tested.
In regard to using back-up contraception for 7 days, you are presumably taking Plan B because you have missed a dose or two of your regular birth control pills and had unprotected sex. It is important to refer to the information provided for your specific birth control pill product for directions, but in general:
- If you have missed two or more doses of your birth control pill in a row, you will need to use back-up contraception (e.g. condoms) for 7 consecutive days of active pills, even after taking Plan B.
If you have not missed doses of your regular birth control pill and take them at the same time every day, you do not need to use back-up birth control if you are sexually active as you will be protected from pregnancy.
Summary
- After taking Plan B, continue to take your birth control pills as you normally would. Do not skip doses.
- If you have missed two or more active pills of your birth control, you must use back-up contraception for 7 consecutive days of active pills.
