Jayden asked
My period should be starting today (June 11, 2018). As of 3 days ago, I experienced Spotting, coloration is dark red/brown color. Had sex 9 days ago and the condom broke. Went to the store immediately after and purchased and consumed the Plan B pill. I have researched online and have seen that spotting can be an early sign of pregnancy, however I have no other symptoms of pregnancy. No fatigue, no nausea, no breast tenderness, no cramps, nothing other than the spotting. Is it likely that I am pregnant?
Answer
If you have taken Plan B during your menstrual cycle, you can test for pregnancy just as you would if you didn't take the emergency contraceptive. You should certainly take a pregnancy test if you have missed your period or are late.
It is important to note however, the menstrual cycle changes (e.g. early/late menses, spotting) are a common side effect of Plan B. As you menstrual cycle can be different with Plan B, and spotting may be misconstrued as your "period", it may be prudent to take a pregnancy test to at least rule out the possibility.
Plan B Menstrual Cycle Changes
Plan B (levonorgestrel), for many individuals, will cause temporary changes to the menstrual cycle. This is because Plan B contains a high dose of progestin. The prescribing information for Plan B lists the following as possible side effects:
- Change in menstrual cycle length (shorter or longer)
- Change in the menstrual appearance (lighten or darker than usual)
- Change in intermenstrual bleeding frequency (e.g. 'spotting)
Most studies report:
- Taking Plan B earlier in the menstrual cycle is associated with a shortened cycle and increased spotting. This means you may get your period sooner.
- Taking Plan B later in the menstrual cycle tends to prolong it or cause amenorrhea (i.e. absence of the menses).
Other common side effects of Plan B include:
- Nausea (13.7%)
- Abdominal pain (13.3%)
- Headache (10.3%)
- Dizziness (9.6%)
- Breast tenderness (8.2%)
Per the manufacturer of Plan B, if it has been more than 7 days from your expected menses, it is important to consider the possibility of pregnancy and it is important to make a doctors appointment to be tested. Remember though, that delayed menses after taking Plan B is relatively common so just because you are late or only spotting doesn't mean you are pregnant. You need a test to confirm or rule out pregnancy.
Best Time To Test For Pregnancy After Taking Plan B
After conception, levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) increase, and this is the hormone that most over the counter pregnancy tests look for. According to the available data, home pregnancy tests are the most accurate on the day of your missed period and the day after your missed period.
Some home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before your missed period, but studies show the accuracy of these tests are not great. They may detect that you are pregnant but they produce a high amount of false-negatives taken so early.
To summarize, after taking Plan B, you will get the most accurate pregnancy test results (>98% accuracy) on the day of your missed period or the day after your missed period.
