Plan B, also called the morning-after pill, can stop you from getting pregnant, but it may come with side effects like bleeding.
It's normal to have some bleeding after taking Plan B, but if your bleeding is especially heavy or lasts longer than a few days, you may need to see your doctor.
Here's what you need to know about bleeding after taking Plan B and when you should see a doctor.
"It is common for there to be unexpected or atypical bleeding after taking Plan B," says Felice Gersh, MD, the medical director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine.
Around 15% of people experience bleeding right after taking Plan B, before their period starts. This means that you may have spots, but that your period doesn't start right away.
In other cases, Plan B can trigger your period to come early, so bleeding may be a sign that it's working, Gersh says.
Bleeding can start and stop any time in the first three weeks after taking Plan B. The length of your bleeding can vary, but it generally won't last longer than a few days.
Plan B works by delivering a chemical called levonorgestrel, which mimics the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. Levonorgestrel can stop your ovaries from releasing an egg or stop a fertilized egg from implanting in your uterus.
Taking Plan B can cause bleeding because levonorgestrel changes the stability of the uterine lining that you shed during your period, which can lead to unexpected bleeding, Gersh says.
In addition to bleeding, Plan B can cause other side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Plan B are nausea and cramping, while vomiting and diarrhea are rarer.
In rare cases, bleeding after taking Plan B can be a sign of something more serious, especially if it comes with other symptoms like severe abdominal pain.
Generally, bleeding after Plan B shouldn't last much longer than a week, so prolonged bleeding can be a sign of a problem.
It's also concerning if your bleeding is too heavy, meaning you have to change your pad or tampon at least every two hours for longer than a day, Gersh says.
If you're having any of these symptoms after taking Plan B, it's best to see your gynecologist to make sure there isn't a more serious issue.
Other symptoms that should raise an alarm include:
Also, if any of the normal side effects like nausea or cramping last more than a day or feel severe to you, it's best to get medical attention, Gersh says.
It's normal to experience bleeding after taking Plan B, especially if you get your period early or just have light spotting. It's also normal to have mild side effects, such as nausea or cramps.
But if your symptoms feel severe or your bleeding doesn't stop after a week, it's best to reach out to your doctor to check if there is a more serious issue.
