Menstruation is a monthly biological phenomenon for women. Women get their periods every month primarily because of fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are female hormones released by the ovaries. These hormones not just trigger menstruation but also help maintain optimum fertility in women by keeping other biological functions in check. A woman’s menstrual cycle begins with menstruation, which is also known as a period. Menstruation usually happens once every 28 days or so. It is a normal part of being a girl or woman, and it signals that your body is working correctly. Yet, some women experience irregularities in their menstrual cycle from time to time. If you’re one of those girls and are looking to know more about can Plan B make your period late? Keep reading to find out more!
Can Plan B Make Your Period Late?
Yes, Plan B can make your period late. Plan B is a type of birth control that works by preventing pregnancy from occurring. It can delay your period by up to 7 days. If your period is more than 7 days late, you may want to take a pregnancy test.
Why Does Plan B Cause Delay in Menstruation?
1. Check you are not pregnant first
If menstruation is late and you are pregnant, you will be able to feel fetal movement in your abdomen after 9-10 weeks. You will also notice changes in your breasts and your sense of smell. Pregnancy symptoms are identical to those of menstruation, so if you don’t experience any of these, you can rule out pregnancy. There’s no harm in taking a pregnancy test to be 100% sure. If you are not pregnant, then the first thing that can cause a delay in menstruation is a change in your hormones. Hormonal changes can also cause your menstruation to be heavier than usual or cause it to stop completely. Plan B is known to cause changes in the body’s hormones, which can cause these types of issues.
2. Plan B can cause a delay in menstruation for hours, days, or weeks
Plan B can cause a delay in menstruation for hours, days, or even weeks because of the hormones it contains – levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol. The amount of time it takes for your period to occur will depend on your body’s ability to metabolize these foreign chemicals. The amount of time it takes for your period to occur will depend on your body’s ability to metabolize these foreign chemicals. The sooner you are able to change your lifestyle back to normal, the sooner you will be able to get your period back on track. This can help to reduce the amount of time your period is delayed.
3. The presence of Plan B can alter ovulation and menstruation
Plan B can cause a delay in menstruation because of the way it alters the uterine environment. When the hormones in Plan B reach the uterus, they cause the release of a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is naturally produced by the ovaries during the luteal phase (end of the menstrual cycle). The luteal phase is the time between ovulation (release of the egg) and when the uterine lining is shed and menstruation begins. When progesterone is present in the uterine environment, it thins out the uterine lining and can cause bleeding. The combination of thinning out the uterine lining and the presence of progesterone can affect the timing of ovulation and menstruation because the uterine environment is different than it would normally be.
4. Plan B may be affecting your endometrium (uterus)
Plan B can cause a delay in menstruation if it is affecting the uterine environment. The uterine environment is the endometrium (inner layer of the uterus). The endometrium thickens every month with blood vessels and nutrients, waiting for a potential pregnancy. If no embryo implants, the uterus sheds that excess tissue and begins its cycle anew. Plan B contains synthetic progesterone, which alters the uterine environment and can delay menstruation.
5. Over time, constant use of Plan B may impact hormone levels
Plan B can cause a delay in menstruation because it contains synthetic progesterone and synthetic estrogen. When these foreign chemicals enter your body, they bind with other hormones and can cause fluctuations in your hormone levels. These fluctuations can be normal and go away after a few days. If you’re using a form of contraception, such as the pill, that also contains synthetic progesterone and synthetic estrogen, they’re designed to regulate and mimic your natural hormones. The synthetic progesterone and estrogen in Plan B are different and may affect your hormone levels more significantly.
How To Avoid Delay In Period After Taking Plan B?
- If you have sex without a condom or contraception, emergency contraception can be taken as soon as possible. Plan B can be used within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it would be to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Plan B should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but it can be effective up to three days after you have had unprotected sex.
- If you think you might be at risk of getting pregnant and need emergency contraception, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Plan B works by preventing or delaying ovulation. It can decrease your chances of getting pregnant if you take it within three days of having unprotected sex. It’s most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
- The following tips may help you to avoid delay in the period after taking Plan B. In the morning after unprotected sex, take Plan B. Avoid stress, exercise, and alcohol as it may delay your period. If you are not sure about your ovulation date, then use an ovulation calculator to find out when you are most likely to ovulate. This will help you to know when is the right time to take Plan B in order to avoid delay in the period after taking Plan B.
- Take your temperature every morning to track your ovulation date and know the best time for you to take Plan B. Use a calendar to track your period dates so that you can know whether or not you are likely to get pregnant and need emergency contraception.
- Use condoms consistently and correctly throughout each menstrual cycle. Then, if you have unprotected sex and think that you might be at risk of pregnancy, take Plan B as soon as possible. It is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, but it may also work if it is taken up to five days after unprotected sex.
Should You Be Concerned if Your Period Is Late After Taking Plan B?
- If you’ve had unprotected sex and want to prevent unwanted pregnancy, you should take emergency contraception as soon as possible — preferably within 72 hours. Plan B can be used within 72 hours after having unprotected sex.
- If you take emergency contraception, your next period could arrive later than usual or not at all. This can be a sign that your period has been delayed. Plan B works by preventing or delaying ovulation.
- It can decrease your chances of getting pregnant if you take it within three days of having unprotected sex.
- It’s most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Plan B is most effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. The sooner you take Plan B after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be.
Conclusion
If you’ve had unprotected sex and want to prevent unwanted pregnancy, you should take emergency contraception as soon as possible — preferably within 72 hours. Plan B can be used within 72 hours after having unprotected sex and it is most effective when taken as soon as possible. If you take emergency contraception, your next period could arrive later than usual or not at all. This can be a sign that your period has been delayed. Plan B works by preventing or delaying ovulation.
