Vaginal discharge is fluid secreted from tiny glands in the vagina and cervix. This fluid leaks from the vagina each day to remove old cells and debris, keeping the vagina and reproductive tract clean and healthy.
The amount of vaginal discharge can vary significantly from person to person. The color, consistency, and amount can also change from day to day, depending on where a person is in their menstrual cycle.
It is common to wonder whether the color or consistency of vaginal discharge is normal or needs to be checked out especially when you are taking certain medications.
What is Plan B?
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel, a hormone that can be used for emergency contraception. Levonorgestrel can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. People sometimes call it the “morning-after pill.” But you don’t have to wait until the morning after sex to take it. In fact, Plan B is more effective the sooner you take it. It is a one-dose regimen: you take one pill.
The FDA states that there are no safety concerns that preclude the use of Plan B in women generally, and continue to believe that all women, regardless of how much they weigh, can use these products to prevent unintended pregnancy following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The most important factor affecting how well emergency contraception works is how quickly it is taken.
When emergency contraception is taken as directed within 72 hours after unprotected sex or birth control failure, it can significantly decrease the chance that a woman will get pregnant. In fact, the earlier the product is taken after unprotected intercourse, the better it works. Emergency contraception is not 100% effective, which is why it is critical that women have a “Plan A” (regular) birth control method or start one if they don’t have one.
How does Plan B work?
Plan B works like other birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. Plan B acts primarily by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It may prevent the union of sperm and egg (fertilization). If fertilization does occur, Plan B may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb (implantation). If a fertilized egg is implanted prior to taking Plan B, Plan B will not work.
When used as directed, Plan B One-Step is generally safe and effective. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration reviewed the evidence on the safety and concluded that emergency contraception pills are safe and effective. In 2006, the FDA approved the sale of Plan B over the counter.
How do I use Plan B?
Take Plan B One-Step, as soon as you can after unprotected sex. Simply swallow the tablet the way you would any other pill. Read the instructions that come in the package for more information.
You can take Plan B One-Step pills up to five days after unprotected sex, but they work much better if you take them during the first three days. Take a pregnancy test if you haven’t gotten your period within three weeks after taking the morning-after pill.
Don’t take Plan B One-Step morning-after pills if you’ve taken Ella in the last five days.
Is it normal to have brown discharge after taking Plan B?
Yes, it is completely normal and harmless to have brown discharge after taking Plan B and does not necessarily mean that you’re pregnant. Some women who take emergency contraception may also experience light vaginal bleeding. This usually ends within three days.
The consistency of your discharge changes while taking Plan B because progestins cause your vaginal secretions to become thicker to help make it difficult for sperm to move.
However, in some cases, brown discharge can be old blood that’s taking extra time to leave the uterus. This is especially true if you see it at the beginning or end of your menstrual period. Brown discharge at other points in your cycle may still be normal but be sure to take note of any other symptoms you experience.
Risks and side effects
Plan B is an effective option for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex, but it isn’t as effective as other methods of contraception and isn’t recommended for routine use. Also, the Plan B pill can fail even with correct use, and it offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
The Plan B pill isn’t appropriate for everyone. Don’t take a morning-after pill if:
• You’re allergic to any component of the Plan B
• You’re taking certain medications that can decrease the effectiveness of the morning-after pill, such as barbiturates or St. John’s wort
If you’re overweight or obese, there’s some indication that the morning-after pill like Plan B won’t be as effective in preventing pregnancy as it is for women who aren’t overweight.
Also, make sure you’re not pregnant before using ulipristal. The effects of ulipristal on a developing baby are unknown. If you’re breastfeeding, ulipristal isn’t recommended.
Side effects of Plan B, which typically last only a few days, might include:
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
• Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Plan B may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
