Does plan b make your period worse?

Plan B is a popular emergency contraceptive pill used by women as an effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. However, many women worry that it may make their period worse than usual. So what’s the truth? Will taking Plan B mess with your menstrual cycle or not?

What is Plan B and How Does It Work?

Before we delve into whether Plan B actually affects our periods, let’s first understand what it is and how it works. A single dose of Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that prevents ovulation by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. If taken within 72 hours (three days) after having unprotected sex or experiencing contraceptive failure, like forgetting to take your birth control pills on time for example, it can significantly decrease your chances of getting pregnant.

The Effects of Levonorgestrel

So far so good right? Well before you pop open that pack of Plan Bs, let me tell you some more exciting news – levonorgestrel comes with its own set of side effects! These include nausea (or ‘I think I’m going to puke’), abdominal pain (‘ow ow ow’), fatigue (‘oh god why am I so sleepy’) but most relevantly for our purposes here; irregular bleeding patterns.

Now don’t get worried just yet – most studies show that these side effects are usually minor and temporary – however heavy menstrual bleeding has been noted in some cases.

When Should You Expect Your Next Period After Taking PlanB?

Okay okay so now we move onto the million dollar question: does taking PlanB mess up your period schedule in any way ?

Well generally speaking no – there should be no long-term changes if you have taken only one dose of PlanB. Although some changes such as light spotting between periods or having your next period earlier or later than usual are normal and to be expected. However, if there were any hormonal imbalances in your body prior to taking Plan B, that may cause some irregularity.

It is worth noting though for women who take regular birth control pills around the same time every day -which include levonorgestrel- Plan B would likely not affect your cycle much as it contains the same hormone as found in many such contraceptives.

If you do worry about changes happening down below, keep track using apps like Flo so you know when Aunt Flo is supposed to come knocking on your ovaries’ door!

Types of Abnormal Bleeding Caused By PlanB

Now we get onto nitty gritty details! So what types of abnormal bleeding patterns can taking PlanB trigger?

Well buckle up because we’ve got several options:

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is known as heavy period bleeding which lasts beyond a week. Luckily this side effect has only been recorded among 14% out of thousands of study participants yet it still remains one to watch our for .

Metrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia is vaginal bleeding between periods; light or even extended spotting after having taken plan b

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual cramps , which can make even eating toast an excruciating experience while walking from room-to-room makes us feel like we’re doing jumping jacks ! This might occur since PlanB consists of high hormone levels — these hormones being uncomfortable contact prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds) into overdrive leading causing those painful menstrual contractions!

So ladies, if you are aware beforehand that your monthly visit from ‘Aunt Flow’ brings migraine-inducing cramping along with its flow with a little bit higher intensity then buzzing in tension anticipating what’s going happen after popping that magical pill is totally understandable!

Your Chances of Abnormal Bleeding after Taking PlanB

The good news is that as mentioned earlier, abnormal bleeding due to plan B’s side effects only happens in a minority of cases – roughly 1 out of every 5 women taking the pill. So while it may seem scary at first glance, the thinking behind using it for emergency situations still hold sway.

How Does PlanB Impact Future Menstrual Cycles?

What about further down the line? Will having taken PlanB mess with future periods and cycles?

Well according to several studies including this one that was conducted on almost a thousand participants , there are no long term effects from Levonorgestrel products such as Plan B. It shows that menstruation returns back to normal fully by the end of six months following using levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy.

So if you’re someone who relies heavily on your calendar app track your cycle..you can give yourself some breathing space once you pass through those six months .

Ultimately though everyone’s body responds differently, so until research uncovers otherwise, its better safe than sorry!

Combating Unwanted Side Effects

But what if you ended up being one of those few unlucky ones whom God said Let there be pain then say hello misery… what can you do alleviate some discomforts ?

Fear not because we’ve got tips galore:

Painkillers (Like Aspirin)

Your usual go-to aspirin or other similar over-the-counter pain relief medication becomes perfect when more extreme cramps begin hurting havoc in your life! However just remember they’re designed only provide temporary solution.

Apply Heat Therapy

Heat is known all-around comforter — be it letting an extra donut melt inside our bodies or comforting warm embrace during cold winters; heat packs can fight menstrual pains too! You’ll probably want have one loaded ready while popping pill in anticipation….and this is not even mentioning how comfortable the telltale “heating pad mark” can be

Relaxation Techniques

Okay, so this one sounds much better than it ends up being..especially if you’re someone always-on move. But isnt sitting back with your legs propped taking in a good book or sipping some herbal tea just plain old relaxing sometimes? Massage and yoga are also excellent examples of relaxation techniques that could come in handy.

Minerals

This may not work for everyone , but incorporating a healthy dose of nutrient boosters like vitamin B1 (which is found within most whole-grain cereals), magnesium supplements & oil massages when applied to lower tummy; may aid reducing cramping pains over time

Conclusion

To sum-up, PlanB isn’t meant to disturb period schedules long term . Of course small instances here-and-there involving bleedings outside regular cycle timings might occur since it uses high levels hormone doses as main components -always check-in to your physician regarding any symptoms occurring after taking medication.

Until science finds more ways tackle lousy side effects from hormonal contraceptives, let’s ease our misery during ‘that’ time of month by utilizing these simple checks: painkillers, heat therapy or natural mineral supply- all of which shall help soften cramps or bleeding while we bond with inevitable indulging spree!

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