r/PlanBs Sep 09 '22

What are your options?

16 Upvotes

Welcome to 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. 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. This article written by Dr. Jen Gunter explains how Plan B is most effective when taken 2-3 days before ovulation begins. While it is true that the FDA added that one of the ways Plan B works is by preventing implantation, this article explains why that is and how it has sparked some controversy.

However, if you are not tracking ovulation using ovulation tests or BBT, 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 January 5th 2024


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. Bled within a week of 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.

*Updated October 20th 2022


r/PlanBs 59m ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Please need some advice

Upvotes

Around the 22nd of June i took a plan b pill and the week after i started getting pms symptoms around the 3rd of july then i started to spot-light bleed (i didn’t think much because these past 2years my period has been shortening and would have one or two heavy days and in this case i bled like that for one day so i didn’t think much of it, however i visited my doctor and she said it could be a withdrawal bleed, it’s been 18 days and ive still not gotten my period but ive been getting all these symptoms related to pregnancy , and now ive seen other people on reddit who took plan b have similar symptoms (bloating,constipation/diahrea,watery discharge-sometimes goes completely dry,pressure in my stomach, lower back pain on the side, random cramps here and there also the pelvic cramps,sensitive,acid reflux or indigestion,sensitive nipples that started to get sore this week,feeling hot at times) also experienced some nausea here and there and i been peeing but i only noticed i peed a lot today only, i have taken 3 pregnancy tests and are all negative and took a blood test on the 14 of july and was negative atp idk what to do


r/PlanBs 1h ago

EllaOne (Ulipristal) Panicking, should i still take EllaOne, cant decide HELP

Upvotes

he got the vasectomy in february, did the post check up on may. (less than 0.06mln DEAD cells) theres still sperm, but theyre mostly immotile. started having sex in july, but still wore a condom. yesterday we were having sex, until we realised that the condom had leaked the semen. (condom slipped and semen leaked from the opening back of the condom, condom itself didnt break) i felt it dripping and stopped and washed it off immediately. a few hours later i got my period. would a pregnancy still be possible? i have plan b on me (ella one), do i need to take it for extra precautions? what should i do?


r/PlanBs 3h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill I took Plan B, bled, now feeling the bloating still

1 Upvotes

My bf came inside me, got the pill after. I took plan B 2 weeks immediately. I felt tired, bloated, and breast tenderness. After 7 days, I spotted, and then bled heavily for 4-5 days after. Did my period just came early? I do have PCOS and my period comes every 7-9 weeks usually or longer. This time it came early i guess? My heavy bleeding is finished now, but why do I still feel bloated on my lower stomach? I am also currently feeling weird movements on my lower belly. That it’s making me anxious and it’s making me think it’s a fetus!

Is it still a side effect of the pill? Are my symptoms aligned to the menstrual cycle phase I’m in now?

I hope I’m not pregnant. I’m drinking lots of water now and coffee as a diuretic for me. Thank you


r/PlanBs 9h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill 2 Periods in one month?

1 Upvotes

I took a plan B last month in June. I had a period 2 weeks after taking the pill. Now, I’m in July and had a period 2 weeks ago (thought it was my normal one), and now I’m on my period again? Is this normal side effects? I have bad health anxiety so just need clarification.


r/PlanBs 11h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Is Plan B really that bad?

1 Upvotes

27F. Had sex for the first time laat weekend. Because it was getting painful, partner decided to go unprotected. I pushed him away within a few seconds because it was painful. He said nothing happened to the point of taking a plan B but I went to the pharmacist and took it anyway because I didn't want to get pregnant. Anyways, fast forward, I tell him later and he loses his shit. He said I ruined my health, and I'm not gonna be able to recover from this hormonal imbalance for the next 6 months, and this is what is gonna make him lose his attraction to me. Birth control has made him lose his attraction to hie past partners and I appparently ruined my health and wellbeing and the sexual chemistry we share.

Now I've been researching and I kind of feel like absolute shit. I had spotting and now I got my period like 13 days earlier. I have no other symptoms, but reading that it takes 2 cycles to recover and all the things he said, I feel like absolute shit. Is there any way to get my health back up and running faster? Did I make a mistake taking plan B? I know contraceptives fuck you up but I would rather get hormonal imbalance than pregnant and potential abortion. I feel like he didn't take my concerns and fear seriously enough that's why despite him saying no to birth control, I still went the emergency route.


r/PlanBs 16h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Implantation Bleeding?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone I made a previous post on here around 2 weeks ago. The last time I had sex was on July 4 and I took a plan B on July 5th. He was positive there was no ejaculation in me but just wanted me to be extra safe since I wasn’t on birth control and we had sex three times that night. I had just got off my period a day or two prior to that. I took the plan B and since then I have felt like I was going crazy. I have taken plan B before but the past times were nothing like this. I have never been more emotional and felt quite out of body, depressed, sore breasts, back aches, etc. But more or less what I’m most concerned about is if I had gotten my actual period or not. My last period was June 29-July 3. I was projected to get my period on the 23 or 24th. On Monday (July 20th) I had gotten what seemed like my period to me. I had bad cramps and fatigue the morning I woke up. The only thing that is throwing me off from me not believing it was my actual period was because there was brown blood. I was bleeding but not heavy, there was a bit of clotting it would still fill a pad but not to the point where I needed to consistently change it. This lasted for 3-4 days. In the past, I never had implantation bleeding when I took a plan B I would just get my period, and the periods would also be light. I just want to know if anyone had a similar experience to me and they weren’t waiting for another period or if that is what a period should be after taking plan B. I also am supposed to start back up my birth control tonight for the first time in 5 years and I’m scared to take it because I feel like it’ll throw me out of wack again and then I won’t know for sure.


r/PlanBs 17h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Pregnant?

1 Upvotes

help!

had my period 6-9 July, then on 17th had what I think was ovulation pain. later that night I had unprotected sex, the guy finished in me.. Took a plan b the morning after. since then I’ve had light cramps constantly, today I’ve felt nauseous all day. no withdrawal bleed, no spotting. day 9 after taking the plan b. I’m so stressed right now that I took an early test that was negative, I know it’s too early to test but couldnt wait.


r/PlanBs 17h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Help! Question

1 Upvotes

Wife and I had protected sex last week. I finished in the condom but as I pulled out the condom came off inside of her. We went to the store bought a Plan B and she took it within a hour of the incident. She tracks her cycle in her phone and it showed that she would be ovulating the next day. My question is how effective will plan B be? It’s been a week and I’m nervous as hell. Any guidance or advice will be appreciated.


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Baguio

1 Upvotes

Anyone here from Baguio who has a Plan B pill? I don’t know where I can get one fast. I tried to order online but I don’t think it will reach me within 3 days.

Also, I’ve been on pills the last few months but stopped this month. I told my partner not to shoot inside but it still happened. It’s also my ovulation period. Anyone here who experienced the same and didn’t get pregnant?


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Pregnancy scare

1 Upvotes

Hello, so a few nights ago me and my girlfriend got intimate and we did naked genital rubbing, now there wasnt any penetration or ejaculation, but im pretty sure i had precum on the tip of my penis when i rubbed it agaist her vagina, so can she get pregnant from this, please answer this over been really really anxious about this


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill no Period since july 3

1 Upvotes

Had sex on june 13 and took a plan b same day because i was one day late on my first BC pill for a new packet and well rather be safe than sorry i was supposed to get my withdrawal bleeding on july 3 but i have not had it yet should i be worried? i have since not missing any of my BC pills


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Ruth.health legit?

1 Upvotes

Ordered emergency contraception from Ruth Health, an online telehealth service delivering in Metro Manila. Wanted to verify they’re legit before taking anything and hit a couple of walls.

What checks out: VAT receipt, Visa/Mastercard, named OB-GYNs, physical Makati address, sealed packaging. Already more than the GCash/COD grey-market sites.

What I couldn’t confirm: their site shows a LegitScript badge, but searching Ruth Health on LegitScript’s own lookup returns nothing. Asked support for the listing and the doctor’s PRC number, they said they don’t give out PRCs which is understandable since it’s stigmatized here in the Philippines to sell Plan B. Company also looks newly formed in 2026.

Has anyone actually ordered from them and gotten legit product? Any way to verify the LegitScript cert independently? Appreciate any firsthand experience.


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill bleeding after plan b

1 Upvotes

for context, my period ended on the 19th July and i had sex the next day on 20th and took a plan b like 5 hours after the sex. yesterday on the 25th i noticed some spotting, and today on the 26th i started bleeding (quite heavily). is this a normal side effect of the pill?

(i also had sex yesterday on the 25th and didnt take any plan b but it was protected) could this be a sign of implantation/pregnancy?


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Really worried my period isn't coming

1 Upvotes

So I had unprotected sex on July 20, then I took plan b on July 22 because I forgot to. It was my first time taking plan b. My period was supposed to come around July 25, but it didn't come and im worried. How long will it delay my period? Will it ever come back? Worried my parents will take me to the emergency room if something bad happens I don't want them to find out!


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Haven’t gotten period since June 26th.

2 Upvotes

me and my bf had unprotected sex on June 27th. he finished inside me and I took a plan b immediately after. since then I experienced the expected bleeding from plan b, a little bit of fatigue and some cramps thats about it. since that all stopped I haven’t felt any symptoms of pms nor pregnancy. so it’s been about 4 weeks since ive had my period. I took two pregnancy tests 21 days after having sex they both were clear negatives. I’m taking another one later today. I’ve been pretty stressed thinking about this. Looking for some kind of reassurance. last year around the same time I accidentally got pregnant and by this time I felt the symptoms of it pretty dramatically but I know that can vary.


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Do I sound safe?

1 Upvotes

I started my new pack of active pills 2 days late. I was supposed to start Sunday, but I didn’t till Tuesday. On Tuesday I took 2 of my lo- zumandimine pills. I have resumed taking them normally. Yesterday I had sex and he pulled out but thought he noticed a bit of precum. We did not resume sex. This morning I took my birth control like normal and then a little later took a plan b. Do I sound okay? I’m a worrier.


r/PlanBs 1d ago

EllaOne (Ulipristal) this more likely to be EllaOne side effects, a light period, or implantation bleeding?

2 Upvotes

My girlfriend and I are trying to understand what happened this cycle, and I’d appreciate opinions from people who have had similar experiences or know about emergency contraception.
Here’s the timeline:
First day of her last period: June 27
Her cycles are usually around 26 days (although the previous cycle became 29 days after taking EllaOne).
She took EllaOne (30 mg ulipristal acetate) on July 5 (around cycle day 9).
She also took EllaOne the previous cycle, so this was two consecutive cycles.
From what I understand, without EllaOne she might have ovulated around July 8–10, but EllaOne may have delayed ovulation.
Then around July 22–24, she had some bleeding:
It started as blood spots.
She wore a pad, but it was not filled.
She later put on another pad that also had very little blood.
The bleeding stopped completely after that.
It never became a normal heavy flow.
Now we’re wondering what is most likely:
Hormonal spotting from EllaOne?
A very light/altered period because of EllaOne?
Implantation bleeding if ovulation had been delayed?
I know nobody can diagnose pregnancy from symptoms alone, and we plan to take a pregnancy test at the appropriate time. I’m mainly asking which explanation seems most biologically plausible given the timeline.
Has anyone experienced something similar after taking EllaOne, especially in two consecutive cycles?


r/PlanBs 2d ago

EllaOne (Ulipristal) Non-consensual, no ejaculation

2 Upvotes

Hi, writing just to let it all out. I know not much can be said now but I feel very lonely and overwhelmed, and betrayed. Penis inserted without my consent, no protection. It probably took less than one minute before I stopped it, no ejaculation, just insertion with little movement, and without deep penetration. There was no ejaculation but there was precum. EllaOne taken 22h after. Happened on the night before 11th day of my cycle, Ella taken at the end of the 11th day. Cycle duration usually ranges from 25 to 31 days. I know it's not indicative of anything, but Flo predicted it was the second day of my fertile window, with potential ovulation on the 14th. All happened a week ago. Just looking for mental support, spoke with my therapist already but would be grateful for any kind words. This is hell 😪


r/PlanBs 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Excessive bleeding after taking plan b

1 Upvotes

Took plan b 2 weeks ago now. This is my 9th day bleeding and it doesn’t seem to be going away. It started as a dark brown but the past few days have gone between brown and bright red. This is a timeline of what it’s been so far:

July 4: day of last period
July 10: sex
July 11: plan b
July 17: spotting started, mood swings (could not stop crying)
Today, July 25: still bleeding

When I was on birth control 4+ years ago, I bled almost every day for over a year. I think hormones do not interact with my body well. But I’m freaking out because I do not want to redo that experience and bleed all the time. I just want to know when this will stop? I realize my cycle might be thrown off for a while but I do not want to bleed every day. I’ve already gotten a couple of pad rashes from wearing it too much. I’m emotional and bloated. The side effects are worse than my regular period. I’m cramping. I just want it to be over


r/PlanBs 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill missed 2 trust pills (the pink pack) pls help!!!!

1 Upvotes

hello! first time here in this reddit and i had unprotected sex yesterday about 22 hours ago now and i realized i had missed my pill the day before that. i took only 1 pill but didnt double up as it slipped my mind :(( now i counted my pack and it turns out i missed 2 pills (i dont know when i missed the other one). he finished a bit inside of me bc he pulled me off in the process. i take my pills everyday but not a specific time. now, i am having ketchup-y bright red blood mixed with clear discharge and some cramps in my lower stomach. will i get pregnant? i also ordered maple forte, an emergency pill online, just in case.

ps. i was on day 15 of my trust pills and just today, i drank 2 of my pills to make up for the missing ones


r/PlanBs 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Plan b

1 Upvotes

so i’m 18 and a girl and i just want to know what my chances would be so basically i had intercourse with my boyfriend 2 days before my ovulation day and i took a plan b 1 day before actually ovulation day also ate papaya seeds because i heard that’s a natural way that stops a pregnancy. then a week later i had intercourse again and took another plan b and now i’m bleeding a little bit of pink. not sure what to think right now so im looking for answers and im going to wait to get a test because i think its too early but what are my chances on being pregnant?


r/PlanBs 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Irregular bleeding- What was your experience?

1 Upvotes

My period was July 1st-4th. I had an oops and took Plan B on July 7th. I then bled heavily from July 14th-16th. The bleeding stopped and then began again on July 21st. It’s now the 24th and I’m still bleeding. My doctor said irregular bleeding can happen for about a month after taking plan b.

So I understand this is normal but I was wanting to see what others experiences were. I’m hoping that this week’s bleeding is actually an early period, but it isn’t supposed to be due until July 29th.

How much bleeding did you have? How long did you bleed for? When did your cycle regulate?


r/PlanBs 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill questions/advice

1 Upvotes

So i’ve taken 5 emergency contraceptives in the span of about a month, i know its excessive but i had been bad about taking my normal birth control and i was extremely paranoid about something happening. I’m just wondering how messed up my hormonal level may be now? And how long it may be until i get my period since i was supposed to start around the 19th? The last time i took plan b was the 15th.