1. I’m over the weight limit for Plan B, should I take two?
If you weigh over 165lbs, levonorgestrel based ECs may not work for you. This includes Plan B, My Way, Take Action, etc. Taking two will not help with this either, it’ll only dose you more with hormones and may still not work. In this case, EllaOne is a better option as the weight limit is higher.
If you weigh more than 195lbs, ECPs may not work for you at all and your other option will be getting an emergency IUD, as these do not depend on your weight and will work as long as it’s inserted within 5 days. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/whats-the-weight-limit-for-plan-b
If you don’t have access to an IUD, taking something is better than taking nothing.
2. How long will Plan B/Yuzpe delay my period?
There is no way to tell how long certain ECs can delay your period. Some report getting their periods on time as expected while others report irregularities in their cycle that last up to months afterwards.
3. Experienced bleeding earlier than expected after taking an emergency contraceptive, is this my period/implantation bleeding?
One of the most commonly reported side effects of ECPs is bleeding within a week of taking them. This is due to the sudden hormone change that occurs once your body filters out the medication and it’s hormones. This is NOT your period. However, it can be very difficult to tell these bleeds apart from your period as it can mimic a menstrual bleed so the only way to know for sure is to wait it out and see when your next bleed comes.
Implantation bleeding is a misnomer as there is no solid scientific evidence that proves implantation causes bleeding. If you are bleeding after taking an ECP, it is likely due to the ECP.
Only a test can tell you whether you’re pregnant or not, so take a test when appropriate to know for sure. A test is accurate 14 days after sex and definitive after 21 days.
4. How long do the side effects of Plan B/Yuzpe last?
Much like with Q2, there is no way to know long the side effects of EC can last. It can be from a few days to a few months, it all just depends on the person.
5. Should I take a Plan B?
Emergency contraceptives are meant to be used in emergencies, meaning your Plan A failed. Whether that’s a condom broke, you missed a pill or a shot etc. in cases like these where you’re at risk is when a Plan B is necessary. However, Plan B is NOT birth control and it is not meant to be taken regularly as a contraceptive, which is why it’s crucial to have a reliable Plan A.
If you engaged in a sexual activity and are unsure whether or not there is a risk of pregnancy, then these two links can help outline what poses a risk. Typically things like outercourse do not present a risk high enough to require a Plan B. Unprotected penetration, on the other hand, does.
https://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/youre_not_pregnant_why_do_you_think_you_are
http://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/can_i_get_pregnant_or_get_or_pass_on_an_sti_from_that
Also, if you’re wondering as to whether or not you messed up your birth control, feel free to post on [r/birthcontrol](r/birthcontrol)! This link helps outline what counts as a missed pill very clearly.
6. Does the Plan B bleed mean I am not pregnant?
No, the bleed that is a side effect of Plan B is not indicative that you’re not pregnant. Only a pregnancy test 14-21 days after sex can tell you whether you’re pregnant or not.
7. What are the potential side effects of Plan B?
Please refer to the pamphlet that comes with your pill. Here is a PDF of the pamphlet in the case that you have discarded of it. Below are a few of the most common side effects:
- Irregular Bleeding
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
This is not an exhaustive list, therefore there are other side effects you may experiences that are not specified. Side effects can last much longer than said, lasting up to months after medicating.
*Updated August 20th 2026