ask: Took Plan B and have been getting my period every 2 weeks since...
I am 25 and normally have a 28 day period that is 4 days long--light to regular flow. On July 2nd, I took Plan B, within 72 hours, after my primary birth control failed. My period was due one week later on July 8th and I did get it. Two weeks later, I got a second period. This was longer than usual--about 7 days. On Aug. 8th, I got a third period that just ended didn't end until Aug. 16th. Now, on Aug. 17th, I am again feeling ovulation pains that I usually feel 2 weeks before my period.
I should also say that I have been unusually stressed lately. Could this combination really be causing the problem?
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Plan B can cause irregular bleeding, as well as breakthrough bleeding (spotting or light bleeding in-between periods). It sounds like you have had only one episode of irregular period/breakthrough bleeding, once I typed out the dates.
Most of the periods you described were either expected or during a time when you would be expecting them within your regular 28-day cycle:
July 8th: period began as expected (after taking Plan B)
July 22nd-ish: period that was not expected, 2 weeks after last period
August 8th: period that occurs during your usual cycle length
Now, August 17th: no period, experiencing symptoms/cramping
When I typed out the actual dates, and took out the "second" and "third" descriptors, it looks like your periods are within normal range. You had one period that was "irregular" (July 22nd-ish), and this is normal after taking Plan B.
Plan B can cause irregular periods for a cycle or two.
Since you have not had a period yet with your symptoms today, wait and see if you start bleeding, or if it is just spotting ("breakthrough"). This is also normal.
For future:
If you start bleeding with these symptoms you are experiencing now, and then also have your expected period around September 8th, this could still be some lasting effects from Plan B. Nothing harmful, just a mega dose of hormones that takes your body a few cycles to get adjusted to with its own hormones.
If you have another irregular period or more breakthrough bleeding AFTER your September 8th-ish regular period, it may be good to call your doctor to check and ask.
Does this help?
August 17, 2010 - 1:36pmThis Comment
This does help, and confirm what I was thinking. When I have been regular all my life, it was a bit of a worry. Thank you so much for your assistance and your quick response Alison!
August 17, 2010 - 1:53pmI'm glad to help! I can see why you were worried...you have been bleeding almost every two-weeks, and may continue to do so through the beginning of September. But, when you look at the actual dates, it has only been one episode of "irregular" bleeding. I bet it seems like a lot more!
Take care!
August 17, 2010 - 2:18pmI think I may have the same problem, I took plan B on October 22nd and on November 7th. Since the last time I took plan B, I've been getting my period every two weeks now. They are like my regular periods, I get them for 5-7 days and the flow is regular. But I've been very stressed and edgy as well. Does the plan B cause any infections? I may have a vaginal infection because I got tested for HIV/STD in early December and I'm clean. If I do go see a gynecologist, do I get a pap smear? What do I do? This is my first time. Help please.
December 21, 2011 - 6:25pmI think I may have the same problem, I took plan B on October 22nd and on November 7th. Since the last time I took plan B, I've been getting my period every two weeks now. They are like my regular periods, I get them for 5-7 days and the flow is regular. But I've been very stressed and edgy as well. Does the plan B cause any infections? I may have a vaginal infection because I got tested for HIV/STD in early December and I'm clean. If I do go see a gynecologist, do I get a pap smear? What do I do? This is my first time.
December 21, 2011 - 6:23pm