If you recently took Plan B and are noticing spotting, you may feel anxious and unsure what it means. Is this a normal side effect, or could it be a sign that you are pregnant?
Let’s look at how Plan B works, why spotting can happen after Plan B, what implantation bleeding is, other potential reasons for bleeding, and what steps to take next.
(Please note, no content of this article is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.)
How does Plan B work?
The exact mechanism of Plan B is unknown. According to the current label, Plan B usually works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), which prevents fertilization. Prior versions of the FDA label stated it was also possible that Plan B could prevent implantation after fertilization occurred.
Several studies have posited that Plan B may block implantation after fertilization by altering the uterine wall or by missing the implantation window by slowing the movement of the fertilized egg. Once implantation has occurred, Plan B cannot cause an abortion for an established pregnancy.
Is spotting a side effect of Plan B?
Yes, spotting after Plan B can be a side effect. The Plan B FAQ says women who take Plan B may experience changes “such as spotting or bleeding before their next period.”
Spotting is when a woman experiences “small amounts of blood” separate from menstrual bleeding. Plan B contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which can affect your menstrual cycle.
In a study published in the journal Contraception, 14.7% of women experienced bleeding between periods after taking emergency contraception.
Can spotting after Plan B be a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, it is possible that spotting you may experience after Plan B is due to pregnancy. When an egg is fertilized, it travels to the uterus and attaches to the uterine lining. This is called implantation. Because the lining is filled with blood vessels, the attaching embryo can disrupt some of them and cause spotting, known as implantation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding is common. According to Cleveland Clinic, about 1 in 4 pregnant women experience implantation bleeding.
According to the Merck Manual, vaginal bleeding is common in early pregnancy and occurs in about 25% of confirmed pregnancies during the first trimester. According to a study published by Wolters Kluwer Health, 27% of women reported some bleeding or spotting in the first trimester.
The Cleveland Clinic says implantation bleeding is often pink, brown, or dark brown in color and may include mild cramps lighter than period cramps.
Can spotting indicate other conditions?
Yes. For example, spotting could also indicate something like an ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition in which the pregnancy has implanted outside the uterus. If you are experiencing abnormal spotting/bleeding, pain, or cramping, it is important to see a medical professional for a proper diagnosis, especially because an ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.
How can I tell if my spotting is due to Plan B, pregnancy, or something else?
If you are experiencing spotting or bleeding after taking Plan B and are not sure if it is a side effect or due to pregnancy, you don’t have to wonder alone.
Start with obtaining an ultrasound to confirm. At Waterleaf Women’s Center, our licensed medical professionals can provide you with a free ultrasound and no insurance is required. Our team will listen to your questions and provide you with compassionate care without judgement.
Make an appointment today by calling or texting Waterleaf confidentially at 630-360-2256 (CALM).