What Causes Vaginal Bleeding After Having Plan B?

Posted on Fri, 13 Mar 2015

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

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My girlfriend's period ended on February 23rd and according to her, her next period is not due till March 17th. we had unprotected sex on March 4th. I did not ejeculate in her. And according to her, she hadn't felt the usual cramp that accompanies ovulation for her. Just in case, she took a Plan B One Step about two hours after the unprotected sex. On the morning of March 10th, she told me she was bleeding this dry and dark stuff she usually gets at the end of her period. Later in the day, she told me she had a steady red flow of blood coming and she thought that's a period. She is still bleeding as for today, but much slower and lighter than March 10th or her normal period. Is this normal? I hope she's not pregnant, what's the chance? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is a side effect of I-pill.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I can understand your concern.

The bleeding is called withdrawal bleeding is a side effect of I-pill because it contains high dosages of hormone in it.
It is normal after taking I-pill.
The probabilities of pregnancy are very less because she had I-pill within 2 hrs. after sex. ( I-pill is 96% effective if consumed within 24 hrs.).
You should give way for a home urine pregnancy test after 7 days of her missed period date. ( To alleviate your anxiety).

Hope it is useful, feel free to ask more.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (8 minutes later)

Thank you. So essentially, she is most likely safe without me ejeculating in her and that she took the pill. And there is no need for me to conduct the urine pregnancy test yet. will the pill also affect her next period? like will it come later than usual? And should I do the test then if her next period is a week late?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, she is safe.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Nice to hear from you once again.
Yes, she is safe.
No there is no need of a urine test now.
You should go for a home urine pregnancy test after 7 days of her missed period date to rule out pregnancy.
Yes, the pill may affect her next cycle also.
Her next cycle will come early or delayed by 1-2 weeks.

Hope it is clear.
If you have no further query and you want to close the discussion, close the query and please accept my answer before closing it.

Thanks
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)

just one quick last question, if her period does come late next cycle, which might be the side effect of the pill, should I give her the urine test when the period is late than expected?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No there is no need of urine test.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

No there is no need of a urine test in her next cycle because there is no chances of pregnancy after period.

If you had unprotected sex after her period and she is overdue for her menses then only she require pregnancy test.

Hope it is clear.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar