Bleeding after Plan B emergency contraception

Bleeding after the tablet does not confirm that emergency contraception worked, and its absence does not confirm pregnancy. A pregnancy test provides more useful information.

Plan B contains levonorgestrel, which mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation. The hormonal change can alter the timing of uterine-lining shedding, so the next bleed may be earlier, later, lighter, or heavier than your usual period. Spotting can look brown, pink, or red.

Bleeding may have another explanation when it persists or occurs with other symptoms. Chlamydia can present with bleeding between periods or after sex, pelvic discomfort, or discharge, while some people have no symptoms. Endometrial polyps can present with irregular bleeding. Neither condition can be identified from blood colour alone.

Note the date Plan B was taken, the date of unprotected sex, and the bleeding pattern. Take a pregnancy test three weeks after the episode of unprotected sex, or sooner if a clinician advises it because your expected period is delayed. Seek advice after a negative result if the period still does not come or symptoms continue.

Plan B does not provide ongoing protection for sex later in the cycle. Use condoms or begin or resume regular contraception according to professional or product guidance. If you vomited soon after taking the tablet, contact a pharmacist or clinician because another dose or a different emergency option may need consideration.

Obtain urgent care for severe or one-sided lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. These signs require assessment for an ectopic pregnancy or another urgent cause.

Heavy bleeding that rapidly soaks menstrual protection, marked dizziness, fever, worsening pelvic pain, or unpleasant-smelling discharge also calls for prompt medical evaluation.

Tell the clinician when sex occurred, when Plan B was taken, whether vomiting followed, and which regular contraception you use. Ask when to test, whether any medicine may have affected emergency contraception, and how to start reliable ongoing contraception without leaving a gap.