Plan B is a form of emergency contraception used after unprotected sex or if regular birth control fails. Many individuals experience anxiety about its effectiveness and wonder how to confirm it worked. This article provides clear guidance on understanding Plan B’s mechanism, what to expect afterward, and how to definitively determine its success.
Understanding How Plan B Works
Plan B, often called the “morning-after pill,” contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone. This hormone primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. If an egg is not released, fertilization cannot occur, thus preventing pregnancy. For Plan B to be effective, it must be taken before ovulation occurs.
The medication is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours (three days), though it can be taken up to 120 hours (five days). Plan B does not terminate an existing pregnancy and will not work if a person is already pregnant.
What to Expect After Taking Plan B
After taking Plan B, individuals often experience various temporary physical changes and side effects due to the high dose of hormones. These effects do not indicate whether the pill was successful in preventing pregnancy. Understanding these common reactions can help manage anxiety during the waiting period.
One noticeable impact is on the menstrual cycle. Your next period might arrive earlier or later than expected, or it could be heavier, lighter, or have different spotting patterns. These menstrual changes are a result of the hormonal shift caused by Plan B and typically resolve by the subsequent cycle.
Common temporary side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness. Taking the dose with food may help alleviate nausea. Vomiting is less frequent, but if it occurs within two hours of taking the pill, contact a healthcare professional, as a repeat dose might be necessary. These side effects are generally mild and usually disappear within 24 hours.
Some side effects, like breast tenderness or fatigue, can resemble early pregnancy symptoms, which can cause confusion. However, these are not reliable indicators of Plan B’s effectiveness or of pregnancy itself. Spotting or bleeding can also occur a few days after taking Plan B, but this is not considered a period.
Confirming Effectiveness with a Pregnancy Test
The most definitive way to confirm if Plan B worked is by taking a pregnancy test. Timing is crucial for accurate results, as home pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, which takes time to build up in the body.
Take a home pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late after taking Plan B. If your period does not arrive as expected, take a pregnancy test at least two weeks after the unprotected sexual encounter. For those with irregular periods, waiting three weeks after taking Plan B ensures sufficient hCG levels for detection, if pregnancy has occurred.
Over-the-counter pregnancy tests offer reliable results when used correctly. A negative result indicates Plan B was likely successful in preventing pregnancy. If the test is positive, it signifies that pregnancy has occurred, and the emergency contraception did not work. If you receive a negative result but still do not get your period, or have ongoing concerns, consult a healthcare provider.
Next Steps if Plan B Did Not Work
If a pregnancy test indicates a positive result after taking Plan B, it means the emergency contraception was not effective. Confirm the pregnancy with a healthcare provider. A medical professional can offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to determine the pregnancy’s viability, location, and gestational age.
Following confirmation, individuals have several options for an unintended pregnancy: continuing the pregnancy, choosing adoption, or opting for abortion. Each path involves different considerations. Resources such as medical professionals, counseling services, and reputable organizations can provide support and guidance.
Plan B does not harm a developing fetus if taken inadvertently during an existing pregnancy. Seeking support from trusted individuals or support groups can also be valuable.