Signs That Plan B Didn’t Work
Plan B One-Step, also known as the morning-after pill, is a popular form of emergency contraception. It’s designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. While Plan B is generally effective, it’s not foolproof. Sometimes, it might not work, and pregnancy may still occur. Here’s how to know if Plan B didn’t work for you.
What is Plan B?
Plan B contains a hormone called levonorgestrel, a type of progestin. This hormone works primarily by delaying ovulation (the release of an egg). If you’ve already ovulated, Plan B may have little effect on preventing pregnancy. Additionally, it can also alter the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg, or may affect the uterine lining.
Plan B effectiveness depends on when you take it after unprotected sex:
- Within 24 hours: About 95% effective
- Within 48-72 hours: About 89% effective
Important Note: Plan B is emergency contraception and not meant as a regular form of birth control.
Signs Plan B Didn’t Work
- Your Period Is Late: The most reliable sign that Plan B may not have worked is a late period. Although Plan B can cause temporary changes to your menstrual cycle, a period that is more than a week late could indicate pregnancy.
- You’re Experiencing Pregnancy Symptoms: While pregnancy symptoms can overlap with side effects of Plan B, be aware if you experience the following early signs of pregnancy:
What if I Experience Some Symptoms But Not Others?
Early pregnancy symptoms and the side effects of Plan B can be very similar. If you are experiencing a few potential pregnancy symptoms, but your period arrives on time, it’s possible that Plan B worked, and the symptoms were simply side effects. The only way to be entirely sure is to take a pregnancy test.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
For the most authentic results, you should wait until at least the first day of your missed period before taking a pregnancy test. A home pregnancy test detects a hormone called hCG, which your body produces only during pregnancy. While some tests claim to be sensitive enough to use earlier, waiting ensures that any hCG in your system will be at detectable levels.
Other Reasons Why Your Period Could be Late
Even if you’ve taken Plan B, several other factors could cause a late or missed period:
- Stress
- Weight changes
- Illness
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain medications
What to Do if You Think Plan B Didn’t Work
If you have a late period or suspect you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor. They can confirm pregnancy and discuss your options for the next steps.
Remember: Even if you’ve taken Plan B, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about regular birth control methods to prevent unplanned pregnancies in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I take Plan B twice in one cycle?
It’s generally not recommended. Taking high doses of levonorgestrel can impact your menstrual cycle and worsen side effects. If you need emergency contraception more than once in a cycle, talk to your doctor.
2. What if I vomited after taking Plan B?
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Plan B, it may not have been absorbed fully. Consult your doctor to see if you need another dose.
3. Does Plan B cause infertility?
No. Plan B won’t affect your long-term fertility and won’t prevent you from getting pregnant in the future.
