Understanding the Difference Between Plan B Side Effects and Implantation Bleeding

When it comes to pregnancy scares, two common concerns women have are side effects from emergency contraception like Plan B and early signs of pregnancy like implantation bleeding. Both can cause spotting or light bleeding, which understandably creates confusion and anxiety when trying to figure out if Plan B worked or if you might be newly pregnant.

How Plan B Works

Plan B is a type of emergency contraception that can be taken after unprotected sex or suspected birth control failure to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that works mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation. As a result, there is no egg released for sperm to fertilize. However, Plan B is only effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the better it works.

Common Side Effects of Taking Plan B

While Plan B helps prevent pregnancy when taken as directed, some women do experience side effects after taking it. The most common side effects are:

Irregular menstrual cycles
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Headache
Dizziness
Breast tenderness
Vomiting
Spotting between periods

The spotting some women notice after taking Plan B is due to the high levels of hormones in the pills. This causes temporary changes in the uterus that can lead to spotting or light bleeding even when it’s not time for your regular period. Often this spotting resolves within a week or two as the hormones leave your system.

What is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding happens in some women 10-14 days after conception, around the time of their expected period. It occurs when the newly fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, causing minor bleeding or spotting at the implantation site. For many women, implantation spotting is one of the first signs they notice early in pregnancy before getting a positive pregnancy test.

Signs of Implantation Bleeding:

Very light spotting or bleeding that appears earlier or later than your expected period
Pink, reddish, or brown colored discharge
Lasts only 1-2 days and does not require a pad/tampon
No associated pain or cramps

While inconvenient, implantation bleeding is generally harmless and actually a reassuring sign for early pregnancy. However, not all women experience it even if pregnant.

How to Tell the Difference Between Plan B Side Effects and Implantation Bleeding

If you notice spotting after taking Plan B or around the time your period is due, how do you know whether it’s side effects from the emergency contraception or possible implantation bleeding? Here are some key ways to tell the difference:

Timing of Spotting

Spotting from Plan B usually happens within a week after taking the pills. The hormones cause an immediate reaction in your body that leads to temporary bleeding/spotting. Implantation bleeding occurs later, about 10-14 days after conception or near your expected period.

Duration of Spotting

Plan B side effects tend to cause sporadic spotting or bleeding that may last off and on for weeks after taking emergency contraception as hormone levels decline back to normal. Implantation bleeding only happens for about 1-2 days around the time the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

Color of Discharge

The blood caused by implantation bleeding is usually pinkish or dark brown, maybe a bit heavier than typical spotting. Plan B spotting can range from pink to reddish to brown as well depending on how your body reacts to the hormones.

Other Symptoms

Along with spotting, other Plan B side effects like nausea, cramping, fatigue, and headaches are common. There are typically no additional symptoms associated with implantation bleeding besides minimal light spotting.

Positive Pregnancy Test

The clearest way to identify implantation bleeding is a positive pregnancy test, which you can take as soon as a week after sex. Even the most sensitive tests likely won’t confirm a pregnancy from Plan B spotting alone if taken before a missed period.

When to Take Action

Dealing with the uncertainty of potential pregnancy symptoms after taking emergency contraception can be an emotional rollercoaster. Here is some guidance on next steps depending on your situation:

Take a Pregnancy Test

If you notice spotting around the time of your expected period or beyond when normal Plan B side effects would occur, take a pregnancy test. Most tests can detect hCG levels by the time you’ve missed your period. This will provide definitive answers if implantation bleeding occurred from an early pregnancy.

Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment

If your pregnancy test comes back positive, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away to discuss your options and next steps for care. If negative but bleeding continues longer than normal, also follow up with your doctor to ease your mind or get treatment if needed.

Ask a Pharmacist

Consult with your pharmacist about expected side effects from taking Plan B if concerned your symptoms are lasting longer than typically expected or seem severe. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific health history and suggest contacting your doctor as warranted.

Use Protection

Always use protection like condoms if you have sex after taking Plan B and are still within the window of time it could be effective based on your menstrual cycle. This will prevent any additional risk of pregnancy until you get your period or confirm with certainty you are not pregnant.

The Takeaway

Spotting is common after taking Plan B and with early implantation bleeding in pregnancy. Timing, color, duration, other symptoms present and pregnancy test results help differentiate between side effects of emergency contraception vs. first signs of an early pregnancy. Knowing what’s “normal” for your body can provide some reassurance. When in doubt, take a pregnancy test, use protection and follow up with your doctor as needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.