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After taking Plan B, can you still be pregnant even after you've had your period?

By October 19, 2009 - 6:12pm
 
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I had unprotected sex one weekend (Oct 2-4, 2009), using the pull out method. I was pretty positive nothing happened, so I didn't follow up an emergency contraceptive. One week later, I had unprotected sex again (Oct 9-10, 2009), still positive nothing happened, but decided to get the Plan B pill to be safe. I took it within 3 days (Oct 12, 2009, within the 72 hour window) of the second incident and received my period 6 days later (Oct 18, 2009). The physician I talked to said that Plan B will force me to have a period this month, so I may possibly be pregnant from the first unprotected sex incident. She advised me that if I have not received my period by the end of this month (Oct), then I should take a pregnancy test; and I should receive my next cycle around the same time next month (Nov), but if I don't I should take a pregnancy test. I took a pregnancy test 5 days after taking Plan B (Oct 17, 2009; I just had to know, even if it may/may not be accurate at the time), which turned out to be the day before my period started, and it showed up negative. But I read in another thread that Plan B does NOT force you to have a period (but it didn't have an explanation as to why). Later that same week of taking Plan B, I went to get birth control (I chose NuvaRing). I read on the NuvaRing website that you should start using their product before or on the 5th day of your cycle. But I'm not sure if I should in case I may be pregnant. So, I guess what I want to know is: After I've received my period after taking Plan B, that means I'm not pregnant, right? Can I start using NuvaRing on the 5th day of my current cycle, or should I wait for my next cycle (in Nov) to be certain that I'm not pregnant? Sorry if it's confusing, I'm pretty confused myself and this is the best I can explain my situation. Thank you for your time and input.

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Plan b for me has worked in two different ways two different times the first time it made me bleed 4 days after I took it for 3 days and my period was 18 days late ( but if you count from when I bled from plan b it was on time) the second time I took plan b I didnt bleed untill I was expecting my next period which was 2 weeks later and both times I had to use plan b was because we had a slip up around the time I would be ovulating. I still took a pregnancy test both times just to be sure I wasnt pregnant but waited 2 weeks after plan b or untill I was late so it could be accurate.

August 30, 2014 - 12:26pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Hello? Did you ever start? And were you pregnant, I ask because I have been feeling sick only at night and in the mornings and I had my period as well as took my plan b before i started, so i am concerned

October 16, 2014 - 12:31pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

hi, just wanted to find out if you had your period.
I'm also in a similar situation.
thanks.

November 13, 2009 - 2:25pm

Sherbear,
I think I understand your question...let me see if I can answer it for you!

1. Plan B "forcing" your period: the contradicting information you received on this may just be in the terminology, but your doctor is correct that your period may come early because of the "mega dose" of hormones contained in Plan B. Some women experience irregular bleeding and a missed period when taking Plan B...so this may be part of the discrepancy of information. The synthetic hormones in pills and Plan B can have a different effect on different women, even though it is the same hormones! We would recommend always "go with" your doctor's information, but do what you are doing and do your own research to ask well-researched questions (don't just take what doctor says as face-value, but do your homework in advance!).

2. As your doctor said, you could technically be pregnant from the first unprotected intercourse, and could experience some bleeding from the Plan B. Women can not have a menstrual period (without synthetic hormones) and be pregnant, as a menstrual period is the shedding of the uterine lining, where a fertilized egg would be implanted. (I'm sure there is an exception to every rule, however).

3. Taking a pregnancy test 5 days after Plan B was most likely too early, and I would follow your doctor's advice on this: take a pregnancy test once you have missed a period. Taking one too early will most likely result in a negative response, and this is probably inaccurate at the time. You can receive an accurate result when taking the test after a missed period. I understand you are not sure when your period would occur, and again, follow your doctor's recommendation to wait until your November period and if you do not start, take a test at that time.

4. When to take NuvaRing? This is a good question, and one to ask your doctor about. Since you are not sure when your "5th cycle day" is after taking Plan B, my best educated-guess would be to wait until your next period begins ("day 1" of your cycle), and then begin using NuvaRing on "day 5". Please use another method of birth control until this time (condom). This will help ensure that you are not pregnant (and I am pretty sure the instructions of NuvaRing also say that women who are pregnant, or may be pregnant, should not use NuvaRing).

I hope this answers all of your questions, but if not, please ask!

October 20, 2009 - 2:08pm

Hi Sherbear, you can use still use the pull out method while combining it with another one. I recommend using a fertility monitor like lady-comp or clear blue to determine if you're safe or not. It seems that you're concerned about knowing your menstrual cycle so I hope this helps.

October 25, 2009 - 11:12pm
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