Plan B & Bleeding

[palsoma76]

I was supposed to get my period on the 20th (but I'm pretty irregular; it can come a few days late). 3 days later I had unplanned sex with my boyfriend for the first time. I know my hymen already broke due to sports, but I bled a little after it. He didn't use a condom. We immediately went to get Plan B. After taking the first pill, I bled. It's like a period but lighter. Can it be my period and that it's just a few days late? or is it Plan B causing the bleeding? If it's Plan B, how long does the bleeding last? My periods usually lasts 6-7 days. (I've read that many women bleed after taking Plan B and some consider it as a regular period.) Could it be both? Also, how long do the side effects of Plan B last? I've been having the nausea and abdominal pain side effects since the 24th.

Edited May 23, 2012 by palsoma76

[Sheryl]

The side effects do last several days, they will gradually subside. And bleeding after taking Plan B is normal. It is more or less semantics whether you consider it a "period" or not. .

As long as there is no possibility that your period was late to begin with due to pregnancy that occurred prior (and I gather from your post that there isn't) there is no cause for concern. Your next cycle may also be a bit irregular as a result of the hormones in the Plan B, don't worry if that is the case.

Now that you are sexually active, you'll need to decide on a regular method of birth control. If you opt for pills, they have the added advantage of making your menstrual cycle much more regular. Of course consult your doctor to be sure you have no contraindications to them. Or if you live in Thailand or other country where pills are sold over the counter, at least research the contraindications first and make sure none apply. If you are relatively young with no chronic health problems, should be fine.

Pills of course do not provide any protection against HIV or other STDs whereas condoms do so need to consider what you know of your boyfriend's past and how much you trust his current behavior. If there are any doubts on either score then condoms are advisable. Some women do both pills & condoms, not at all a bad idea. (To get the BF to cooperate with the condoms, some don't mention that they are also taking the pill.)