Hi, I'm Dr. Sarah Williams, a board-certified OB/GYN with over 10 years of experience in women's health. I'm here to provide you with accurate and reliable information about your reproductive health.

Let's discuss how Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, interacts with your menstrual cycle.

Plan B contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle. It helps to regulate your cycle and prepare your uterus for a potential pregnancy.

Here's how Plan B can influence your period:

* If taken before ovulation: Plan B primarily works by delaying ovulation. Essentially, it temporarily pauses your cycle to prevent the release of an egg. If taken before ovulation, Plan B can make your period arrive earlier or later than expected. This variation depends on where you were in your cycle when you took the pill.
* If taken after ovulation: Plan B is less effective if you've already ovulated. It's important to understand that Plan B does *not* interrupt an established pregnancy.
* Possible side effects: Some women experience spotting or bleeding a few days after taking Plan B. This bleeding is generally lighter than a period and is not a cause for concern. It's simply a sign that your body is responding to the high dose of hormones.

It's important to note that:

* **Plan B is not a regular form of contraception.** It is designed for emergency use only and should not replace regular contraceptive methods like condoms or birth control pills.
* **Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).**
* **If your period is more than a week late or you have concerns about your cycle after taking Plan B, consult your healthcare provider.**

In summary:

Plan B can impact the timing of your period, potentially making it arrive earlier or later. It's crucial to remember that Plan B is not a substitute for regular contraception. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
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After you've taken plan B?, you should get your next period at the expected time, or a few days early or late. Note that you may experience spotting a few days after taking plan B?. While you're waiting for your next period, abstain from having intercourse or make sure you use a contraceptive.read more >>