Sbek asked
I took plan b on the 6th of May. I had unprotected sex that morning. I then read online that plan b might not work on heavier women so I got nervous and took another plan b pill the following day. My period is currently late 2 days but I have very sore breasts. I want to know when I should expect my next period.
Answer
After taking Plan B or Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel), most woman can expect to get their period at the same time as they normally would. However, there is a possibility that you could be a few days late or early. According to the prescribing information for Plan B, 4.5% of individuals experienced delayed menses of more than 7 days. A very small percentage of individuals experienced early menses or no menses at all (also known as amenorrhea).
In addition, it is fairly common for individuals taking plan B do have some sort of menstrual change the cycle they take the emergency contraceptive. The most common are spotting, breakthrough bleeding and a period that is heavier or lighter than normal. Other common side effects include:
- Nausea (13.7%)
- Abdominal pain (13.3%)
- Headache (10.3%)
- Dizziness (9.6%)
- Breast tenderness (8.2%)
If you are late or miss your period after taking Plan B, it does not necessarily mean you are pregnant as the emergency contraceptive can cause menstrual cycle changes. Nevertheless, if you period is more than one week late after taking Plan B, it is important to consider the possibility of pregnancy and take a test or see your doctor.
Summary
- Most women can expect to get their period around the same time they normally would after taking Plan B.
- A small percentage of woman however may experience either a delay in menses as well as other menstrual changes, such as heavy bleeding.
