What Causes Light Pinkish Vaginal Bleeding After Taking Plan B?

Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 Answered on

Wed, 2 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My girlfriend and I had unprotected sex on the 27 of July. On the morning of July 31 she took the plan B pill. Today is Aug 12 and she says her period came about 5-6 days early, but it's a light pinkish color that was steady for 8 hours. Is this symptoms of the Plan b or implantation bleeding?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Thanks for trusting hcm about your health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
It can be a side of plan -b tablet or it can be an implantation bleeding.
But before giving my opinion I want to ask a question from you.
She had plan- b within 72 hrs.after unprotected sex or after that?
Please give more information about her menstrual cycle means last period date,expected period date and on which day had unprotected sex?
Please revert back to me with my answer.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (26 minutes later)

Hi, thanks for responding back. Her period is supposed to be on either the 18 or 19 of August. We had unprotected sex on the 27 of July. She took the plan b on the 31 of July. I think she might have past the 72 hour suggestion by a few hours. The last time we took a plan b, it messed with her cycle. She would bleed for a few hours each day, then not bleed for 3 days the start to bleed again. However this time she stated the only difference is she's bleeding for longer... About 8 hours and the color is same as before.... Pink color... Not fully red.

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be implantation bleeding or withdrawal bleeding.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
You are most welcome.
As she passed 72 hrs.the effectiveness of plan -b decreased,so the chances of failure are more and she can be pregnant.
This bleeding can be a side effect of plan - b due to hormonal changes caused by pill but it can be due to implantation bleeding also because she took plan-b after 72 hrs.
Usually implantation bleeding occurs 2-3 days before or near a expected period date,light pink in color, mild bleeding or spotting that last for 2-3 days.
So she should get her a home urine pregnancy test if she missed her period to rule out pregnancy.
Hope found useful.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar