Unprotected Sex caught up with you, and you have to take the morning-after pill, but what now? How to know if the morning-after pill worked? How will you know it didn’t work? The questions are many, and you will find all the answers here.
The only sign to know if Plan B has worked is when you get your next period. On the other hand, missed period, unusual bleeding or implantation bleeding, or pregnancy symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness are clear signs that the emergency contraceptive has failed.
The success rate of the morning-after pill if taken:
- within 24 hours is 94-95%+,
- within 48 hours is 85%,
- and is less effective when taken within 72 hours, which is just 58% effective.
What is Plan B? How Does it Work
Plan B, or most commonly called the morning-after pill, or in medical terms, an emergency contraceptive, is a pill that prevents pregnancy. If you had unprotected intercourse, the condom split, or have used the withdrawal method, or just forgot the protection overall, and are now worried about conceiving, you can use this pill.
This emergency contraception suppresses or delays ovulation, which means no egg will be released and sperm will have nothing to fertilise. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for up to 5 days, so there are chances of you getting pregnant if you ovulate 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
A morning-after pill is very effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy, but it’s important to take it within 72 hours, preferably within 24 hours, as it has maximum effectiveness then, which is about 95%.
How to Know if the Morning After Has Worked?
The only certain way to know the morning-after pill has worked is when your next period arrives. The pills have done their work, as periods eliminate the chances of pregnancy. For a more categorical confirmation, you need to take a pregnancy test, either at home or in the clinic, at least a week after you have crossed your menstrual due date.
Though your periods for the month can be a bit late compared to other times, because of hormonal imbalance due to pills. The pill can delay your period for up to 7 days.
Signs That Plan B Didn’t Work
It’s not easy to know if the emergency contraceptive has not worked, especially if you are not aware of what happens after taking the pill. Look out for these signs and get medical help immediately if pregnancy is not on your mind as of now.
- Missed Period: A clear and confirmed sign pill has not worked, especially if your periods are always regular. Some delay in the period is normal, but nothing at all is a sign.
- Unusual bleeding: Light bleeding can be normal after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, but if it’s followed by no period, it could be an early pregnancy sign.
- Appearance of pregnancy symptoms: If you experience symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, or a constant need to urinate a few weeks after taking Plan B, it could indicate pregnancy.
- A positive pregnancy test: Taking a pregnancy test is the biggest confirmation ever. Take it a few weeks after taking the plan b, if that still shows positive, you have your answer. You could also check with a doctor.
- No withdrawal bleeding: Some people may expect bleeding after taking Plan B. Having no bleeding at all doesn’t mean failure, but if it’s combined with other symptoms, it matters.
Sometimes, reasons the emergency contraceptive does not work could be
- your weight (BMI over 30)
- ovulation has already occurred
- vomiting after taking the pill
- antibiotics
- herbal supplements
- or taking the pill after 72 hours
Successful Tips to Take the Morning-After Pill
These tips will increase the chance of Plan B working:
- The morning-after pill works best when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the higher the success rate.
- Plan B delays the ovulation, so if you have already begun the ovulation, it won’t work; timing matters more than you think.
- If you vomit two hours after taking the pill, it has not been absorbed properly in your body; thus, you may need another dose.
- Plan B works 95-83% of the time when taken within 72 hours; however, it’s not a guarantee against pregnancy. Use barrier methods like condoms, female condoms, or other contraceptive methods.
- Emergency morning-after pill is not your regular birth control; frequent use can cause irregularities. Get consulted and use a proper contraceptive method to avoid future pregnancies.
- Plan B only works if you are not already pregnant. It can prevent pregnancy, but it cannot end it.
What to Do If Plan B Didn’t Work?
If you feel like the emergency pill is not working and have noticed signs, take a pregnancy test to confirm. You could also check with a healthcare provider. They will walk you through the whole process of confirming the pregnancy status and help you with options if you are pregnant and do not want to keep it.
Keeping to yourself and not asking for help won’t work in this situation. Plan B won’t hurt the present pregnancy; this will let you discuss the next steps with your provider.
You can be emotional at this point, but talking to someone you trust can help. Reaching out to a healthcare professional will help you understand your options and make a decision that feels right.
Emergency Contraceptive Helps, You Just Have to Know the Right Way
Plan B is a helpful and effective option to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. However, things may not go as planned if the pill is not taken at the right time, that’s within 72 hours, preferably 24 hours (most effective).
HomeAbortionRx offers the best kind of birth control pills options like Plan B, Ovral L, Ovral G, and Yasmin, which can help you in difficult times. So you do not feel alone. You can buy these emergency birth control pills from our online store and rest assured. They are sourced from a verified manufacturer and consist of top-quality components.