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.

20 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 as it can mimic a menstrual bleed 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](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

EllaOne (Ulipristal) Should I be concerned?

• Upvotes

Hello. I took plan B ellaone yesterday and I have irregular periods so I have no clue if I ovulated. I made a mistake and I had unprotected sex, I had plan B a month ago aswell and it triggered me to get my period according to the doctor, I took all precautions and had it a few hours after sex. I’m concerned because I’m having spotting and little cramps, I plan to take a pregnancy test in 2 weeks. Should I do anything else or just wait for now? Pls help me. Also my spotting is light pink blood.


r/PlanBs • • 4h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Genuine help plan b every other week need advice

1 Upvotes

So I took plan b on like idk when but a while back. On sept 19-26 I either got my period or had light spotting but I took a plan b that weekend (sept 27) bc of sex, it was half protected half not but for safety. Fast forward one week ish later? (Oct 11) I took a plan b again but because he nutted in me. It was so stupid but I really don’t know where my cycle is at, I was wondering if anyone had any hope stories or such idek just for comfort. I’ve thought about the abortion options me and the guy have talked about it and I know my plan I just don’t want to have to go thru it which is dumb bc I should’ve known better. But anyways. Lmk??


r/PlanBs • • 10h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Early bleeding?

1 Upvotes

So I fingered my gf on September 6 but thought I had some semen on my hands… GF’s normal period was Sept 1–4. Took Plan B Sept 7. Then she bled Sept 13–17, much earlier than expected and pretty light/irregular after the first day. She then had another much heavier, painful bleed Sept 23–25, right around when her period was originally expected (Sept 25–27). This bleed soaked her pad. Took a at home preg test 21 days after Sept 6 and it was negative but I’m still mad nervous.
She normally has very predictable 4-day periods. Is this kind of early bleed + later short/heavy period normal after Plan B?


r/PlanBs • • 16h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Worried I might be pregnant in a country with strict abortion laws. Need advice!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m really scared right now and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation. As someone living in a country with very strict abortion laws. I’m worried I might be pregnant, and accessing healthcare as unmarried women is legally near impossible.

My last period started on September 3, and I had sex on September 9 while I was still on my period (it was supposed to be my last day or so). We used a condom, which didn’t break, and I took Plan B/Levonelle the following day as an extra precaution. I continued bleeding for another three days, which I assumed could have been a side effect of the pill.

My period still hasn’t come this month, and I’m almost 15 days late. Around the time I expected it, I had what looked like the end of a period, but it was brown, clumpy discharge that was enough to fill a pad. It stopped after three days.

I’ve taken four at home urine pregnancy tests, including different brands, and they’ve all been negative. I know that’s reassuring, especially since it’s been over a month since I had sex, but I’m still extremely anxious because I haven’t had a proper period.

Has anyone experienced a significantly delayed period after taking Levonelle, despite negative pregnancy tests?

I’m scared of being pregnant and having limited options where I live, and of putting my health and safety at risk by trying to access abortion medication. I’ve looked into online abortion support services, but I understand they may require a confirmed positive test, and I’m unsure how to navigate this situation safely.

I also came across at-home blood pregnancy tests that look similar to blood glucose testing kits. Are these actually reliable? Has anyone used one, again I can’t access a blood test at a clinic in my situation.

I’m just trying to figure out my safest next steps. I’m feeling really overwhelmed and would genuinely appreciate any advice or reliable resources.


r/PlanBs • • 18h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Condom broke, girlfriend took Plan B immediately, . Should i be worry

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m honestly freaking out a little and could use some advice or hear from anyone who’s been in a similar situation.
Here’s the timeline:
September 26: My girlfriend started her period.
September 28: Her bleeding stopped.
October 1: We had sex, and the condom broke without me noticing. I ended up finishing inside her.
October 1: Right after we realized what happened, we went and bought Plan B, and she took it almost immediately.
October 8–10: She started experiencing symptoms like headaches and lower back pain.
October 15 (today): She’s now feeling nauseous and like she wants to throw up.
I’m pretty nervous because I don’t know if these are just delayed side effects from Plan B or possible early pregnancy symptoms.
I’ve heard mixed things about pregnancy testing. Some people say she can take a test 14 days after sex, while others say we should wait the full 21 days for an accurate result.


r/PlanBs • • 18h ago

EllaOne (Ulipristal) Plan B after Miscarriage?

1 Upvotes

Hi, all! I miscarried an unplanned pregnancy around 5.5 weeks. I feel sort of traumatized, hyper emotional, scared in general regarding my fertility, and terrified of pregnancy right now. So many emotions and feelings. Twelve days after the miscarriage, my partner and I had anal only intercourse in the heat of the moment. My libido drastically increased beginning right before I passed the miscarriage so that was a lot. My hormones during/post miscarriage have been worsening my already terrible anxiety. It’s been exhausting. We were very careful but I still became so paranoid about pregnancy from fluid leaking that it consumed me. late in night the day following the intimacy, I noticed fertile cervical CM. I panicked and got a plan b the next morning, around 36 hours post intimacy. Fertile CM stopped within a few hours. I’m now exactly one week out from taking the plan b and 9 days out from the intimacy, and I feel awful. I’m extremely bloated, breaking out even though I hadn’t broken out at all during pregnancy or miscarriage, unbelievably lethargic, having weird cramps. My pregnancy and miscarriage symptoms both exactly mimicked my usual period symptoms. It has me paranoid that I’m feeling pregnant again, which is really messing with me mentally and emotionally. Has anyone else taken plan b following miscarriage? Would love to hear other experiences.


r/PlanBs • • 23h ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Has anyone became pregnant due to rubbing and pre-cum? Please don't judge me

1 Upvotes

My partner and I had a contact last September 19 (first day of my fertile window, September 24 is my perceived ovulation). Although there was no penetration that happened because he only rubbed his penis to the lips of my vagina and came near my belly button, I took plan b pill (My Way) last September 22. Last September 28 - October 1 I had a spotting, which progressed from dark brown to dark red. My supposed period should be October 8, but until now I didn't have one. I have a regular period and sometimes miss 1-2 days. But right now I'm 8 days late. I took a pregnancy test last Oct 2, 3, and 12 all came out negative. Until now October 15, there's a faint or evaporation line (I cannot tell the difference) that appeared in my pt. My question is there a huge possibility that I have become pregnant due to precum?

I also experienced mild cramping last October 11 and painful cramps on October 14. My breasts are mildly tender. I think it's the side effects of the pill that makes me overthink but when I saw the faint/evaporation line I became paranoid. Especially since there's some pregnancies that are cryptic in nature. I am planning to do serum beta HCG to make sure that I'm not pregnant.


r/PlanBs • • 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Possibility??

1 Upvotes

My periods were normally regular, but I started taking birth control on September 13 on my period then HAD TO stop taking it on September 23. (Wasn’t right with other health conditions) After stopping, I started bleeding again, & my cycle has been all over the place. On October 3, my fiancée & I had unprotected sex, and he finished inside me. I took Plan B the next day. Then we had sex again on October 9, and he finished inside me again. On October 12, it happened again, and I took another Plan B on October 13. Now I'm just sitting here not knowing what to think. I don't know when I'm ovulating, I don't know when my period is actually supposed to come, and I know taking Plan B doesn't guarantee anything. I bled for 5 days-6 days after the first Plan B. Waiting for round Two.
I know the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test at the right time, but having to wait & not know is stressful. I keep thinking about it, and I just needed somewhere to put all of this instead of keeping it in my head. We could care less if I get pregnant, since we both have great jobs, a home together & get married soon but it’s the thought of it!

* also edit, I’m 100% not taking more Plan Bs! We’ve both agreed, it’s too much on my body! I know we took a risk.


r/PlanBs • • 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Does plan B delay future periods?

1 Upvotes

I took a plan B last month and my period had arrived on the expected date. Can it also delay my period for October?


r/PlanBs • • 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Would You Take one?

1 Upvotes

My partner finished in a condom. He took it off and was lying on top of me - then a drop of his semen plopped right into the entrance/into my vagina.

I am ovulating any day now or may have already done so.

Is plan B necessary for when semen only is at the entrance/around the vagina? Really would rather not take it due to a history of intense side effects…


r/PlanBs • • 1d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill kinda scared, i need reassurance and advice pls

0 Upvotes

so to summarize, my periods are regular, i had my last period september 21-26, meaning i would ovulate october 9 according to my tracking app. on october 3rd i had intercourse but i took a plan b that same night, on october 10th i started withdrawal bleeding (now i know that plan b delays ovulation so im not really sure if i did ovulate on october 9th or if it got delayed to later or if i haven’t even ovulated yet). last night, october 13, i had intercourse again and took another plan b about 3 hours later, but what’s scaring me is the ovulation stuff because i know it got delayed but i also know plan b doesn’t work after ovulation so idk if i did ovulate and the pill was useless. also, my bf did not ejaculate and he doesn’t get pre-ejaculate either so that’s kinda reassuring but i’m still scared that there’s a small risk of pregnancy because of ovulation. i’m not sure what to do next, i know TWO doses of plan b would probably throw off my cycle really bad so maybe my next period is completely unpredictable but that’s gonna scare me worse if i don’t get it this month. anyways, the whole point is im not sure what’s happening with ovulation and idk what to do next.


r/PlanBs • • 2d ago

EllaOne (Ulipristal) EllaOne causing period delay?

1 Upvotes

I took the ellaOne pill exactly 2 weeks ago, my period is now 14 days late and my cycle is now 49 days. I know it delays ovulation but I took the pill after ovulation im pretty sure, during my luteal phase. I know that it wont be effective if I took it after ovulation, I just took it out of paranoia like it would even make a difference.

I took 3 pregnancy tests over time and they all said negative, I even went to a pharmacist and she said she highly doubts its pregnancy, and it could just be the pill and/or stress.

I'm 99.9% sure I'm not pregnant, but I'm just worried about my period, it's never been this late before.

Does ellaOne normally fuck up menstural cycles? Let me know plz


r/PlanBs • • 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill afraid plan b didn’t work

1 Upvotes

i had unprotected sex about a week ago (i know, stupid). i instantly regretted it and took a plan b pill a few hours after. according to the flo app, i was ovulating. i know that it’s impossible to truly tell if you were ovulating or not, but i just have a gut feeling. now, my boobs are incredibly sore/ swollen. and this is concerning because this is what happened when i was last pregnant with my daughter.

am i completely screwed??


r/PlanBs • • 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill How late was your period after taking plan B?

1 Upvotes

I had unprotected sex on Sep 8th, he didn't finish inside me, he put a condom on after like 10 mins. I know there's a possibility of getting pregnant from that so I took the pill the next day(8th of sep) just to be safe. I was scared I was ovulating at the time but can't be 100% sure. I now know I am not pregnant as i've taken multiple tests between now and then and they've all been negative.

I am now 14 days late on my period and I have not once been this late so obviously It scares me a little bit. My hormones have been all over the place, i've been so tired all day, absolutely no sex drive anymore, nausea here and there, my nips were very sore for a good week or two but now feel fine, super irritable, plus more. I just want to feel normal again. I keep getting snappy with my boyfriend and I'm scared it's causing issues.

When did your cycle go back to normal after taking planB/ how long did it take for your period to come?


r/PlanBs • • 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill plan b twice in 48 hours

1 Upvotes

hi guys, i took plan b twice in 48 hours and im getting really anxious about what’s to come and what effects it will have on me. can anyone share their experience if they have been in the same boat and tell me everything will be okay. i didn’t do research on how bad it is on your body until after i took it, i wish i had. just please someone tell me what to expect.


r/PlanBs • • 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Took a plan B 3 days before ovulation

1 Upvotes

I know it’s our fault LOL 😭😂 Anywho, I had unprotected sex ( he came inside) on October 9th and took Aftera on October 10th. According to my period tracker, today is my predicted ovulation day, and I’m freaking out a little bit. 🥲 What are the chances of me getting pregnant?


r/PlanBs • • 2d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Should i take one more plan b. Please help someone..

1 Upvotes

I had sex on 18th sept and had a ipill immediately. Expected period was on 5th October. Still no periods. On 13th oct, the condom broke and he came inside me. Should i take a ipill again?


r/PlanBs • • 3d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Can my plan B really work?

1 Upvotes

I am 21 F, my last day of period was at 4/10 and i had an unprotected sex at 9/10 my partner didn't ejaculate inside but we did 2 rounds of it. After the first ejaculation, my partner washed his penis and we tried to ensure that the leftover sperm are removed by jorking it. But now i am concerned if there's still leftover sperm and his pre-cum could lead to pregnancy. We're both students and we haven't bought the pregnancy test yet because i think it's too early for a solid result. But, we had already bought escapelle, we don't have enough money to get EllaOne just yet. I just want to know if it can still work and if it just wont be as effective.


r/PlanBs • • 3d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Plan B Side Effects

1 Upvotes

Plan B side effects making my health anxiety bad :((
About a month ago I took Plan B. About a week after taking it, I had what seemed like a pretty normal period. It lasted about as long as my usual period and then stopped.
A few days after that bleeding ended, I started spotting again. The spotting has now been going on for about 10-12 days. It's light bleeding, but it's red rather than brown. I don’t normally spot at all.
I’ve taken it before a good few times and not had this happen.
I took a pregnancy test and it was negative.
I am a chronic panicker and have gone down the Google rabbit hole and convinced myself it could be something serious. Has anyone else experienced a timeline like this?
Pls someone make me feel better! Lol
I hate being a woman.


r/PlanBs • • 3d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill will the plan b be effective

1 Upvotes

i had sex on my fertile window day 7/7 qnd i took plan b the same day…..will it be effective. this happened this past sunday btw


r/PlanBs • • 3d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill Was plan b used in time??

1 Upvotes

Alr so basically me n my gf were having intercourse and the condom broke, as soon as I realized I swapped it out but I already nutted about 45 minutes before we had intercourse and I didn’t pee between that and having sex. So my precum I guess is the only way ? She took a plan b the day after just in case but I was just seeing what the odds were. It was 9 days after her period started and she took the plan b 10 days after her period started. and she doesn’t think she had ovulated yet. Basically to lay it out

We had sex, condom broke, I nutted 45 mins before sex so there could’ve been left over I guess

We was still scared of precum so she took a plan b about 20 hours after

She didn’t think she started ovulation yet bc she has a 27 day cycle and it was only 9-10 days after her period cycle started.

What should I do ? In a couple days it will hit the 2 weeks mark should she take a test ? She’s supposed to get her period Sunday but Ik plan b could delay that.

Lmk if there’s any questions thanks


r/PlanBs • • 3d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill withdrawal bleeding?

1 Upvotes

I took Plan B on 10/5 and started bleeding on 10/11, exactly 6 days later. The bleeding is pretty heavy and looks almost exactly like my normal period, not just light spotting.

I’m confused because I’m not sure if this is withdrawal bleeding caused by Plan B, my actual period coming early, or something else.

Has anyone experienced period-like bleeding this heavy after taking Plan B? Is it possible for withdrawal bleeding to look and feel exactly like a normal period?


r/PlanBs • • 4d ago

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Pill he finished inside me on ovulation day

4 Upvotes

it happened unprotected, i might be overthinking it honestly we don’t usually use a conform since he always pulls out but it just didn’t happen this time

i’ve heard stories of women taking plan b during ovulation and it working/not working so im not sure, i didn’t get to take it the first 24 hours more or so around 30 ish hour mark..

im just really nervous; my man is not since we are well off and have an entire extra room, but i just don’t know my chances of pregnancy. anyone taken plan b during ovulation and it working / not ? thanks so much