posted
So my gf's period came around January 31st. 7 days after she took Next Choice One-step (Brand of Plan B) after we were unsure whether I had came or not. (Yes, I know unprotected sex is dumb as hell). In any case, the bleeding since then can really only be described as slow and "on and off" bleeding. By this I mean she bleeds for a bit, then it stops, then it starts again with random intervals. Just today, it sorta ended and we're both a little confused as to whether it was her actual period or some form of implantation bleeding. So my question is what should we do? I mean, she took Plan B within 22-27 hours from the incident and I probably didn't cum in her to begin with. Is it too early for her to take a test? Am I just being overly paranoid?
Posts: 27 | From: Chicago | Registered: Feb 2013
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Hi ParanoidConfused and welcome to Scarleteen,
One of the most common side effects of emergency contraception is alterations in the menstrual cycle. These can last for a few months after taking the emergency contraception and can include spotting between periods, periods that are earlier or later than usual, missed periods, erratic bleeding, and the like.
So, what you're describing sounds like a side effect of Plan B.
The bleeding you're describing is not an indication of pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is rare, very light when it does occur, and occurs at one specific time, not on and off over weeks.
It's always a sound idea to take a pregnancy test after using emergency contraception to ensure that it did its job. So, since you're concerned, I suggest that your girlfriend, should she wish to do so, take a pregnancy test. Again, I'm suggesting this because it's good practice after taking emergency contraception, not because you've written anything here that sounds like your girlfriend is pregnant.
Would you like to talk about birth control options for you and your girlfriend to start using?
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4328 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
The on off bleeding was over the course of 4 days starting from Jan 31st to Jan 3rd. This is what had us concerned because it is nothing like her normal period. Also, planning on getting her to test tomorrow. Also, we are avid users of condoms. This was just one slip up I am not planning on repeating. Any other advice that you have to offer?
Posts: 27 | From: Chicago | Registered: Feb 2013
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posted
Those alterations in the menstrual cycle that Robin mentioned can include things like a different pattern of bleeding than usual - what you're describing isn't anything to be concerned about.
If your potential risk happened less than two weeks ago, a test will not be accurate yet, so you'll need to wait until it's been at least 14 days.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5308 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Ok thank you very much for your assistance. So should I wait to test for now or just stop worrying and continue on with life?
Posts: 27 | From: Chicago | Registered: Feb 2013
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posted
It is always a good idea to test after using EC, but in terms of pregnancy risks, given that your girlfriend took EC within a short period of time, the risk is pretty low. It's up to you (well, your girlfriend, since she'll be the one taking the test) to decide how much risk you're okay with, and whether or not a test is worth it to you.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5308 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Well she took three tests in the last few days and all of em were negative. Time to relax for now I guess.
Posts: 27 | From: Chicago | Registered: Feb 2013
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posted
Three negative tests mean you can definitely relax.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5308 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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