Plan B – Emergency Contraceptive Pill

Taking Plan B a second time in the same cycle is generally considered safe, and it won’t become less effective just because you used it recently. That said, it’s not meant to be used as a regular form of birth control; it’s there for exactly this kind of situation, an unprotected encounter that wasn’t planned for. One thing worth knowing is that your body may still be adjusting from the first dose, so your next period could be even more unpredictable than usual after using it twice. If unprotected sex is happening somewhat often, it may be worth talking to your OB-GYN about a regular birth control method that could take this stress off your plate going forward. For now, taking it again is the right call given what happened last night.  

Try not to panic. You acted fast, and that helps, because emergency contraception works best the sooner it’s used.

You read something true: Plan B can work a little less well at higher body weights. That doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. Call your OB-GYN, a clinic, or a pharmacist today. Tell them how many hours it’s been and your weight, and ask what fits you best. Some options work for up to 5 days, but sooner is better.

If your period is a week or more late, take a pregnancy test and see your OB-GYN.

Most side effects from Plan B, like feeling sick or cramping, go away in 1-3 days. Five days is a bit longer than usual, but it’s not automatically something to worry about; everyone’s body is a little different. If the nausea is mild and slowly getting better, it’s probably just your body finishing up. If it’s getting worse, or you get a fever, tell your OB-GYN just to be safe.

Thank you for writing in, and for setting out the dates so clearly. You are definitely in a lot of confusion right now, and it is okay to feel this way.

Emergency contraception (levonorgestrel) does unsettle the cycle it’s taken in. It can make the next bleed arrive early or late, heavier or lighter, and can result in a withdrawal-type bleed in the days or weeks afterwards. However, this effect is generally short-lived, usually lasting one to two cycles. So when periods stay away well beyond that window, there can be other causes. Broadly, clinicians tend to think about thyroid function, prolactin levels, PMOS (formerly PCOS), and stress, weight loss, undereating, or a significant increase in exercise. Less commonly, they’ll consider whether the ovaries are winding down earlier than usual. Pregnancy is always excluded first, regardless of the history. Typically, the workup involves blood tests assessing thyroid, prolactin, and reproductive hormones, and a pelvic ultrasound (you already have booked). Your own doctor will decide which of these apply to you.

Here is what might help you during your appointment. You can keep a log of anything that has changed recently, like your weight, sleep, stress, exercise, diet, etc. You can also note the character and flow of the bleed that you have been experiencing. The investigations you’ve arranged are the right step. I hope September gives you some clear answers.