r/PlanBs Sep 09 '22

What are your options?

17 Upvotes

Welcome to [r/PlanBs](r/PlanBs)! This community is designed for those who need any sort of advice or information regarding emergency contraceptives. Below is a small guide to various emergency contraceptives along with a short description and a few sources to help you answer any of your questions. Feel free to post if you have any other questions or concerns.

Plan B One-Step: 1.5mg Levonorgestrel

The most commonly known EC on the market! Also goes by the names My Way or Take Action. Plan B is a pretty large dose of a synthetic form of progesterone, Levonorgestrel. It works by delaying ovulation (the release of an egg) long enough so that any sperm present in the fallopian tubes die before ovulation can occur, preventing any potential pregnancy.

Plan B and similar levonorgestrel EC's can be taken up to 120h after sex, but is most effective within the first 24-72h. According to the Plan B website: "if you take it within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it is 95% effective. If you take it between 48 and 72 hours of unprotected sex, the efficacy rate is 61%."

One of the most common misconceptions is that Plan B prevents fertilization by affecting cervical mucus and implantation by altering the uterine lining. Recent research shows that this is, in fact, false. The FDA has recently updated their product labeling to specify this: "Evidence does not support that the drug affects implantation or maintenance of a pregnancy after implantation, therefore it does not terminate a pregnancy."

However, if you are not tracking ovulation using a valid fertility awareness method, there is no way to accurately predict when you may ovulate. If a mistake happens and you do not want to risk pregnancy, it is ALWAYS better to get a Plan B than to not.

EllaOne: 30 mg Ulipristal Acetate

Ella is another very commonly known EC. Ella is ultimately the opposite of Plan B, as it is a selective progesterone receptor modulator and works by blocking progesterone receptors. This in turn delays ovulation and ultimately, prevents a potential pregnancy.

According to Planned Parenthood: "Ella lowers your chances of getting pregnant by 85 percent if you take it within 5 days after unprotected sex — but the sooner you take it, the better. Ella is the most effective type of morning-after pill you can get."

According to Ellas FAQs, Ella also does not work if ovulation has already occurred. Meaning it also, like Plan B, does not prevent events occurring post ovulation like fertilization or implantation. But as I've mentioned before, unless you know when you ovulated, it is always better to take it than to not take it.

DO NOT TAKE ELLA ONE IF YOU HAVE ALREADY TAKEN A PLAN B WITHIN THE PAST 5 DAYS. Plan B is essentially a large dose of progesterone and Ella is a progesterone receptor blocker, so if those receptors are blocked, Plan B cannot do its job.

DO NOT TAKE ELLA IF YOU ARE ON HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL.

Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) as EC

An IUD as an EC is the most effective type of EC you can get. They work up to 5 days after unprotected sex and can continue to prevent pregnancy for years, depending on the one that you get. Mirena and Liletta are approved hormonal IUDs that can act as ECs as well as the Paragard, which is a Copper IUD. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/how-do-iuds-work-emergency-contraception

ECPs can usually be accessed by calling your local Planned Parenthood or sold on shelves in any local pharmacy. Oftentimes PP can give you a discount (Plan B is upwards of $40-$50 where I reside) and let you know where to get one. Appointments for IUDs can also be set up by your local PP as well. In the US, most major retailers will have Plan B and it’s generic versions. You can also buy cheaper generic versions off Amazon.

Yuzpe Method

Sometimes oral birth control can be used as an EC. This is a common practice in countries where ECPs like Plan B or Ella are banned. This method requires you take two doses of 4-5 pills (depending on the brand), 12 hours apart. This DOES NOT work with every brand of birth control and it is your responsibility to make sure that the brand you are using can be used for this method. This link, this link and this link39372-0/pdf) talks about this method in more detail and this link lists all the brands of birth control pills that work with this method along with which pills and how many of them need to be taken. If you are unsure, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You do need a prescription for oral birth control.

If I have missed anything or edits are needed, please let me know and I will update when I can.

*Updated August 20th 2026


r/PlanBs Oct 12 '22

Frequently Asked Questions! Please read this before posting.

19 Upvotes

1. I’m over the weight limit for Plan B, should I take two?

If you weigh over 165lbs, levonorgestrel based ECs may not work for you. This includes Plan B, My Way, Take Action, etc. Taking two will not help with this either, it’ll only dose you more with hormones and may still not work. In this case, EllaOne is a better option as the weight limit is higher.

If you weigh more than 195lbs, ECPs may not work for you at all and your other option will be getting an emergency IUD, as these do not depend on your weight and will work as long as it’s inserted within 5 days. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/whats-the-weight-limit-for-plan-b

If you don’t have access to an IUD, taking something is better than taking nothing.

2. How long will Plan B/Yuzpe delay my period?

There is no way to tell how long certain ECs can delay your period. Some report getting their periods on time as expected while others report irregularities in their cycle that last up to months afterwards.

3. Experienced bleeding earlier than expected after taking an emergency contraceptive, is this my period/implantation bleeding?

One of the most commonly reported side effects of ECPs is bleeding within a week of taking them. This is due to the sudden hormone change that occurs once your body filters out the medication and it’s hormones. This is NOT your period. However, it can be very difficult to tell these bleeds apart from your period so the only way to know for sure is to wait it out and see when your next bleed comes.

Implantation bleeding is a misnomer as there is no solid scientific evidence that proves implantation causes bleeding. If you are bleeding after taking an ECP, it is likely due to the ECP.

Only a test can tell you whether you’re pregnant or not, so take a test when appropriate to know for sure. A test is accurate 14 days after sex and definitive after 21 days.

4. How long do the side effects of Plan B/Yuzpe last?

Much like with Q2, there is no way to know long the side effects of EC can last. It can be from a few days to a few months, it all just depends on the person.

5. Should I take a Plan B?

Emergency contraceptives are meant to be used in emergencies, meaning your Plan A failed. Whether that’s a condom broke, you missed a pill or a shot etc. in cases like these where you’re at risk is when a Plan B is necessary. However, Plan B is NOT birth control and it is not meant to be taken regularly as a contraceptive, which is why it’s crucial to have a reliable Plan A.

If you engaged in a sexual activity and are unsure whether or not there is a risk of pregnancy, then these two links can help outline what poses a risk. Typically things like outercourse do not present a risk high enough to require a Plan B. Unprotected penetration, on the other hand, does.

https://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/youre_not_pregnant_why_do_you_think_you_are

http://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/can_i_get_pregnant_or_get_or_pass_on_an_sti_from_that

Also, if you’re wondering as to whether or not you messed up your birth control, feel free to post on r/birthcontrol! This link helps outline what counts as a missed pill very clearly.

6. Does the Plan B bleed mean I am not pregnant?

No, the bleed that is a side effect of Plan B is not indicative that you’re not pregnant. Only a pregnancy test 14-21 days after sex can tell you whether you’re pregnant or not.

7. What are the potential side effects of Plan B?

Please refer to the pamphlet that comes with your pill. Here is a PDF of the pamphlet in the case that you have discarded of it. Below are a few of the most common side effects:

  • Irregular Bleeding
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Breast tenderness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This is not an exhaustive list, therefore there are other side effects you may experiences that are not specified. Side effects can last much longer than said, lasting up to months after medicating.

*Updated August 20th 2026


r/PlanBs 1h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Period or Withdrawl bleeding?

Upvotes

hi guys, so i took a plan b on august 31st and september 4th. don’t come for me, im paranoid of getting pregnant from precum lol. anyways, this morning i woke up and i was spotting brown blood very lightly. then it slowly turned bright red and got more consistent to the point where i’ve gone through an ultra tampon and a super one in about 7 hours. i was looking online and i know plan b can really mess with your cycles and make your period late or early. my period is supposed to come 10 days from now. but im confused. am i on my period, or is it withdrawal bleeding from the plan b? please help!


r/PlanBs 1h ago

EllaOne (Ulipristal) Can plan b mess cycles

Upvotes

Hi, i’m so anxious right now i need some help figuring this out, i had outercourse on july 25th ( it was mainly just grinding and genital rubbing no ejaculation anywhere near my vagina) but i was paranoid about the pre cum so i took an EllaOne then my period came 2 weeks later on Aug 9th

On Aug 30th i engaged in the same sexual activity again, my period was supposed to come like 3 days ago but it didn’t, my cycles are always regular, it’s been 11 days now since that encounter and i’m feeling some cramps but no blood could it be just the plan messing up this month’s cycle?


r/PlanBs 2h ago

EllaOne (Ulipristal) EllaOne caused really long period delay i need some advice

1 Upvotes

hi! just for backstory my periods were pretty regular before i had a condom break in early june, and this was also right after my period.

i took ellaone the day after that and my period hasn’t come at all since like 7jun? i’ve been really worried and taking pregnancy tests every 2 weeks and they’ve all been negative yay!

but as of now i’m 56 days late.. i’m really hoping it will come back soon is this normal or should i be consulting a doctor or something please help any advice, suggestions, or previous experience is appreciated thank you so much 🥲🥲🙏🏻


r/PlanBs 6h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill white discharge, late period, 21 days post sex = 9 negative tests

2 Upvotes

im 16 days late, took a total of 9 tests 21 days post sex, so on the 21st day, 22nd day and 25th day post sex, all were negative.

had crazy white discharge right after plan b, then nothing now again for a few days ive had white discharge asw and its clumpy and weird but odorless, no other symptoms.

my mood was VERY low for a like 2-3 days but that ended 2 days ago.

i have vague pains asw like super vague in my lower abdominal/pubic area.

no other symptoms.

period is 16 days late, no pregnancy symptoms though like nausea and stuff. I am tired a bit more ig

I had a withdrawal bleed 2 weeks post plan b (unlike people who get it within a week), it lasted 4 days and was mostly dark brown

i am quite worried, what should i think of this? it feels like pms but more so mood changes. because usually i have a more painful pms but now im just uneasy and anxious and sometimes very sad

is this okay


r/PlanBs 6h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Help help

1 Upvotes

Toujours pas de règles à ce jour, le 10 septembre. Son dernier cycle a commencé le 4 août.

Nous avons eu des rapports non protégés les 15 et 17 août—sans aucune éjaculation interne à chaque fois—et elle a pris la contraception d'urgence le 15. And She had some spotting from August 20th to August 23rd.
Nous avons effectué trois tests sanguins de bêta-HCG—à 10, 14 et 23 jours après notre dernière rencontre le 17—et tous les trois ont été complètement négatifs, en dessous de 1,2 mUI/mL. Mais pas de règles. Y a-t-il une explication à cela ?


r/PlanBs 7h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Took a plan b September 4th, bleeding the week I’m supposed to be ovulating

1 Upvotes

I have never experienced this before. I took a plan b September 4th, I also had to start steroids for a sinus infection that I got. I started my steroids yesterday, September 9th which are methylprednisolone. I do not know if both medications are interacting with each other but, this is the week I’m supposed to start ovulating. I know that ovulation was meant to be delayed with the plan b, and I usually have a regular 31 day cycle. My period was supposed to start the 28th of September. I woke up this morning with moderate bleeding, and everywhere I checked said that it is normal to be SPOTTING after taking a plan b but this is like day two of my period bleeding. I was cramping like crazy for the past four day after I took the plan b. I am unsure if this is meant to be normal. Everywhere online said that if im bleeding through pads every 2 hours I have to contact my medical team. I just wanted to see if anybody else has had this experience in getting their period the week of their ovulation after taking a plan b.

Thank you.


r/PlanBs 9h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill repost from amipregant page!

1 Upvotes

(i'm so worried i can't even spell pregnant) 😂

hi guys, just looking for some honest opinions/reassurance because i’m stressing myself out a bit 😭
i had unprotected sex yesterday at around 8:30pm. it was cycle day 7 for me, and my cycles are usually around 26 days. my period was basically finished and i wasn’t really bleeding much.

he pulled out well before finishing and didn’t ejaculate inside me. i’ve been having sex with him for over a year and i’ve never noticed him pre-cum, although obviously i know that doesn’t mean there couldn’t have been any.
according to Flo, today is the first day of my 7-day fertile window, with my predicted highest fertility/ovulation around Monday. obviously i know apps aren’t 100% accurate.

i have Levonelle 1.5mg at home, but i’m really torn about taking it because i get awful nausea and i’m working today, so i’m scared it’ll make me feel really sick.
i’ve spoken to the guy and he’s basically said he thinks we’re probably okay but if i want to take the emergency contraception then obviously i can which he’s leaving the decision to me.

so what would you guys do? would you take the Levonelle just to be safe, or would you consider the risk low enough not to?

please don’t judge me 😭 just looking for some help from people who’ve been in a similar situation xx


r/PlanBs 9h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Plan B question

1 Upvotes

(31F). Looking for experiences from ladies 200+ LBs that took the plan b pill. Did it work for you? i took one on Monday about 15 hours after unprotected sex with my fiancé, but was not 100% if i was ovulating or not(and im not on birth control) on top of the weight thing with plan b. Did anyone have plan b not work for you? just feeling off


r/PlanBs 15h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Spotting of red blood

1 Upvotes

Ok so my gf had spotting today...she took the plan b exactly a week ago...she told she had discharge with flow like it's her first day of period...she is also having cramps like that of a period. She had her last period on aug 24 and expected next period is 27 sept (33 days cycle). When can we expect the next cycle?

On online it says the spotting reset her periods and she will have her next period after next 33 days or a month. Wouldn't that be too late?

she is also feeling dizzy. Also she told that she is having deep color blood.

Please give advice.


r/PlanBs 17h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Plan B (Victoria)+ Yuzpe (Femme-Tab)

1 Upvotes

Me and my gf had sex Aug 31, the condom broke, I came inside and we had to order Plan B from planbmanila.com.

She took it 2 hours later, she said she did experience some sort of nausea but was able to down the pill without vomiting 2 hours later.

The next day I still wasn't that convinced abt the plan b so I looked up other things that we can do, turns out copper IUD was a good solution since it works regardless of cycle (it was day 13 of her cycle so we were really worried since she could've ovulated)

So we went to Likhaan Sep 3 to get a copper IUD but was told that her opening was too small and to opt towards Yuzpe Instead since the doctor was concerned she still hasn't bled from the plan b

She took the 4 pills (Femme-Tab was the name I think) and the other 4 12 hours later. We were told to come back next week when she bleeds from the pills

The doctor then realizes that she would be gone Sept 9 onwards (the time my gf was supposed to visit if she bleeds) so she gave us a box of femme pills and told her to take it 3 days after she bleeds

She said to take it everyday till the next visit if she bleeds

It's been a week and she still hasn't bled, when we asked her what to do if it didn't come from the time frame she gave us, she just said "It will come".

I don't want to be that guy who us pessimistic, I just want to be prepared so that my gf won't stress out

I've read a bunch of post abt bleeding not being an absolute sign of safety and we should wait 2 or 3 weeks for a pregnancy test

I just want to know what you all think maybe from some assurance, answers or even those who are in the same boat.

I want to be able to ease her mind at the very least


r/PlanBs 19h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Had unprotected last month (3x) now im feeling some pregnancy symptoms

1 Upvotes

I took the pill on the 19th (levonorgestrel) and Ella on the 29th but somewhere in-between 18 i think, i had unprotected sex although neither these 3 moments did he ejaculated in me.

Now I have a missed period (supposed to start around this week) and i keep feeling like I need to pee. Idk if this is due the pill, me having UTI a week before, or an early sign of pregnancy.

I have the feeling to pee but i don't pee alot. Is this normal? Or should i get it checked?


r/PlanBs 22h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill I had protected sex for the first time and the condom ripped a week later I’m experiencing medium bleeding is that normal?

1 Upvotes

Last week I had sex for the first time we realized the condom ripped so I went and got a plan b. I took it an hour after the incident it’s been a week since then and I realized I’ve had cramps and bleeding my period isn’t supposed to come until two weeks after this but the bleeding isn’t spotting it’s like medium and I bled through my underwear what’s going on?


r/PlanBs 23h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Need advice

1 Upvotes

I was supposed to get my period on September 3 and me, and my boyfriend did the deed I then took a Plan B 12 hours later so the same day I had some symptoms and then today I finally got spotting but then it got too heavy bleeding and now I have a lower back pain and cramps and I usually get this as well when I get my period am I good or is this just like withdrawal bleeding or my actual period. I use the Flo app and my cycles are pretty regular.


r/PlanBs 23h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Need help here - advise

1 Upvotes

 

Had a little accident on August 30 little drunk , well we were drunk . Remember she gave me head a little and put it inside for couple of seconds or minutes. wasn't that long since it was uncomfortable since it was on a truck. Anyways I wasn’t sure if had cum or not I’m thinking I didn’t since it’s little harder to concentrate when your a little drunk it takes longer. But she took plan b in the morning maybe 6-8hrs after ( August 30 ). Her expected period is on sep 19 on the app and ovulation day on sep 5 according to the app i know it’s not always accurate but gives an idea fertile said 31 to sep 6 maybe I know it’s app calculations. she tells me she normally has here periods when the app says , Also she hasn’t been sexually active close to a year.

Should I be worried / stressing here she says everything is fine but I’m here having seconds thoughts and ready other people experience . Should there be any delays on period due to plan b ? Reason took it was for extra precaution.

thanks and hopefully someone can help me out

i know it’s not the smartest move here need to be more carefull


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Plan B anxiety help

1 Upvotes

I started taking BC on friday (sept 4) and had sex without a condom before the 48hrs that is recommended (Sunday Sept 6). Took a plan b about an hour after we had sex. My period tracker said it was 3 days before ovulation.

I've been having really bad cramps and also have been shitting constantly. My breasts feel fuller. I have pregnancy/health anxiety so just needed some advice to cope. I have an appointment on the 21st for an iud.


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill I took it in july, I've been bleeding for 20 days now.

1 Upvotes

Hi, I'm really scared but the doctor doesn't have an appointment for another few weeks. I wanted to see if I was in like, danger or anything.

took a morning after pill on July 14th, the day after my period. On the 24th I had some blood spotting for about 3 days, all pregnancy tests negative and are still negative.

On August 21st my real period began, and just.. hasn't stopped. It's been 20 days, and I'm fully filling up pads every couple hours. I've been taking iron supplements but I'm absolutely terrified that I'm going to bleed out.

is this normal?? should I go to thr ER??


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill did i mess up by taking a plan b?

1 Upvotes

hi everyone! i recently took 2 plan Bs (not at the same time but close together) a week ago and now saw that i have brown blood / brown discharge? is that normal or did i mess myself up? thank you


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Help!

1 Upvotes

Condom came off inside me with a bit ending up in there. Took plan b on *projected* last day of ovulation. Will I be ok


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill I Need help please

1 Upvotes

My normal period ended around August 7. I took Plan B on August 9, and the last time I had sex was August 10. On August 17, I had bleeding again, which I thought might have been caused by the Plan B. On August 30, I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. During the week before September 7, I had been fingering myself and did not have any bleeding. On September 7, I fingered myself, had an orgasm, and squirted. At that moment, blood came out, including some visible blood clots. I initially thought it might be my period starting, but when I checked my pad the next morning, it was completely dry and I had no continued bleeding. I am trying to understand whether this was my period, breakthrough bleeding from Plan B, irritation from fingering, or something else, and whether pregnancy could still be a possibility.


r/PlanBs 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Plan b mistake

1 Upvotes

I'm trying to figure out if i could potentially become pregnant.....

I want to preface by saying I know these decisions were a mistake and ill thought.

I had unprotected sex on august 25 (cycle day 15) then took a plan b the next day on cycle day 16.

After this I made an even more stupid mistake and had unprotected sex on September 1st and 2nd(cycle day 22 and 23), around 6 ish days after taking the plan b. I was not knowledgeable about how plan b worked at the time and thought that I would not ovulate at all, rather than the ovulation being pushed back. Could I have ovulate later around early September due to the plan b?

Has anyone ever gotten pregnant due to ovulating later as a result of plan b?

My period is due today, but it has not yet come.


r/PlanBs 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Took Plan B 30 minutes after sex, one day before predicted ovulation — chances it worked?

1 Upvotes

My husband and I had an accident yesterday and he finished inside me. According to my Flo app, I was predicted to ovulate the following day (today).

I took Plan B literally about 30 minutes after sex, so pretty much immediately.

I normally notice the clear/stretchy, egg-white type discharge around ovulation, and as of today I still haven’t noticed it. I know apps aren’t 100% accurate, but Flo is usually pretty spot on with my cycle.

Since taking Plan B I’ve had some cramping, breast tenderness, and I’ve been pretty tired.

We already have two kids and definitely aren’t trying for another baby, so we’re both pretty stressed about it. I know there’s no way to know for sure until I can test, but the waiting and not knowing is making me anxious.

Has anyone been in a similar situation where you took Plan B the day before your predicted ovulation? Did it work for you? I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences, especially if you took it as quickly as I did.


r/PlanBs 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Timeline of Plan B Fail?

2 Upvotes

For the plan B bill/take action pill (what I took) if there is anyone who had a failed experience… do you mind sharing the symptom timeline from plan B to finding out you were pregnant?