Plan B One-Step and Headaches: What Users Say

• Aja...
• May 4, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Sharing this because I couldn’t find any similar experiences online and hope this can help someone! I took Plan B about a week before my period was scheduled to come. *Note: I did not know Plan B is likely to be much less effective after ovulation - its primary function is to delay ovulation.* My first period came right on time, and I thought I was in the clear. Boy was I in for a ride. My cycle is usually around 25-26 days, and my cycle *after* my first period post-plan B was 44 days. So I took Plan B, had my first period on time, but my second period was almost 3 weeks late. During that time I experienced a whole array of symptoms: ice cold hands and feet, nausea, really horrible headaches, crazy moods and generally being very anxious. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Thankfully not pregnant - just know that Plan B throws your body totally out of whack and it may take a few cycles to return to normal."

• KM5...
• June 6, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "Okay ladies, I have decided to share my experience with Plan B One-Step to hopefully help ease even just a few minds, because I know just how bad this situation sucks and how you are searching high and low for some honest feedback. No matter what I say here, you will still be freaking out for a while and overthinking every little thing you feel within your body. Just try your best to be positive and keep busy. Alright, so here goes the story: On Apr. 9, I had sex with a male partner and the condom broke. We didn't notice until the deed was done. Immediately, I thought 'OMG, we are screwed'. I had finished my last period on Apr. 4 (I was now dangerously close to ovulation). The next morning (approximately 6-7 hours later), we went to the pharmacy to get emergency contraception. I took the pill immediately WITH FOOD. The food part is very important. The pill can make you nauseous, and if you vomit soon after taking it, it obviously will not work. The pill contains very high levels of Levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone Progestin (aka the pregnancy hormone). When you become pregnant, your body produces high levels of Progestin, which prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg (because you wouldn't want your body to be ovulating while you are already pregnant). So, in a sense, the pill tricks your body into thinking it is pregnant and therefore your ovaries do not release an egg for the sperm that is now inside of you to fertilize. The effectiveness of this all comes down to timing. The pill's job is to temporarily stop ovulation, so if you have already ovulated, the chances of it working are lowered. This doesn't mean you are totally screwed! There isn't much conclusive evidence (that I have been able to find), but it is said that even shortly after ovulation, the pill can help prevent a newly fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall. It is important to follow the advice to take the pill within 72 hours of the incident because sperm can live inside of you for approximately 5 days, and the longer you let it go, the closer you get to ovulating, and the better chance those little suckers have of locating your egg! Back to the fact that the pill temporarily stops ovulation. This means that Plan B is NOT an abortion pill! So whether you are worried to take it because you are pro-life or you are thinking it will terminate an established pregnancy, it WILL NOT DO THIS! The pill's job is to take action before the sperm and egg ever meet. Now onto the stuff that will literally exhaust you... The side effects. I'm going to be honest here and tell you that looking up your side effects is going to make you think you are pregnant for sure. Almost every possible side effect of Plan B mimics the signs of pregnancy. You could experience: nausea, abdominal cramping, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and spotting. If you are concerned about any of these side effects, contact your doctor. They will be your best source of support through this. I experienced mild abdominal cramping (like period cramps) the next couple of days after taking the pill and 'spotting' about a week later. The spotting was what concerned me. When I read that you 'may experience some spotting', I thought a light little speck here and there, however for me, it was almost exactly like one of my periods. My periods are generally quite light (lucky, I know) and my 'spotting' was almost the exact same, just slightly lighter and lasted about 3-4 days. It started out fairly bright red and then by the last day turned to a darker red, almost brownish color. I later found out that this is quite normal. Throughout the duration of my worrisome experience, I took 3 home pregnancy tests to help ease my mind a bit. I took one 21 days after the incident, another 6 days later, and then one like 4 weeks after that (just because I was feeling particularly worried that day). All 3 read negative. This helped settle my mind somewhat. Also, a little info that may be a bit TMI, but about 2 weeks after taking the pill I got a yeast infection (see, TMI). On top of worrying about everything else, I now had a painful and embarrassing infection to add to my list! I was freaking out because I wasn't sure what it was at first (painful urination, labia painful to the touch). Upon +++ research on my own, I found out that this is another possible side effect of the pill. The increased hormones in the pill can cause your body to produce an excessive amount of natural yeast. The same thing can happen to women during pregnancy due to the same reason. So if this happens to you, it's uncommon but not unheard of. The biggest worry I had throughout this entire experience was when in the world was I going to get my period?! The pill can and probably will mess with your cycle. It definitely did for me! I'm not sure if it had anything to do with my size, but I'm thinking that it might have. I am fairly petite (115 lbs) and the pill is the same dosage for everyone. I ended up missing an entire period! Talk about going out of mind! Everywhere I read said that the pill could delay your period by a week or so, but nowhere could I find anything about it making you skip an entire period! Just as I was mustering up the plan to make a doctor's appointment, my period arrived! Exactly one month late. Again, I can't stress enough to talk to your doctor if something doesn't seem right! I really hope you found some kind of relief in reading this. There is no sure-shot way to know Plan B has worked unless you get a blood test from your doctor or are graced with your Aunt Flo so do your absolute best not to worry yourself sick. Remember, stress can have an effect on your cycle as well. I found it most helpful to confide what I was going through in one really good, trustworthy friend who helped bring me back to reality when my worry was spinning me out of control. I hope everything works out for you, and you share your experiences with others going through the same, terrifying experience. Good luck and think positive!"

• Ann...
• July 8, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Let me just tell y'all that these past two months have been a roller coaster of a ride for me. So babe and I did the deed on May 22nd, the day after my period. Honestly, I don't know if he came in me or not, but to give me peace of mind, I went and bought Plan B on May 23rd, approximately 26-28 hours after the deed was done. I was beating myself up because I didn't use any contraceptive and I felt really silly. The day after I took the pill, I had a slight headache. Four days later, I began to have spotting. I spotted starting on May 28th and ended on June 3rd. My due date for my cycle was on June 14th. I have been bloated, nauseous, constipated, had headaches, felt fatigued, and been very moody. I began to stress and panic. My anxiety got the best of me and I went into depression. Honestly, if I had never found this website, I would be more of a mess than I am now. PLEASE. DON'T. GOOGLE. ANYTHING. Trust the pill. After 23 days, I finally got my period today on July 7th."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "To the teenage girl reading this, YOU WILL BE okay. I said I’d write a review of this. It’s been the worst month of my life, but one day late my period came. I had spotting similar to implantation bleeding 5 days after taking the pill, and nausea, headaches, and had to pee. So basically every pregnancy symptom in the book. I had sex without a condom on the last day of my period, and he pulled out, so I probably shouldn’t have taken it, but I did. It honestly gave me so much anxiety and stuff, but just take a deep breath and let it do its thing. Try not to convince yourself you're pregnant because that makes it so much worse. You’ll get better."

• lca...
• April 12, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "After reading EVERY single review on this website, I made sure to write one myself if Plan B worked. I had my period on Feb 6th for 6 days that ended on the 11th. I had unprotected sex Feb 13th. My boyfriend didn't finish in me, but it was the first time we didn't use a condom at all (I'm not on birth control). On Feb 14th, we went unprotected again, but for a few minutes until we put a condom on. I decided to take Plan B on the 15th. The only symptom was a horrible headache. A week later, I started spotting for about 4 days with cramps. After this, I didn't get my next period for 43 DAYS! I think because I don't use birth control and the excessive stress caused my body to go whack. During this time, I took 5 pregnancy tests, all negative. I continued to have sex throughout, just more safe. My advice is to stay OFF the internet and try to be calm. Another thing, everyone's body is different, so don't worry if your experience is different from others. You're going to be okay!"

• jbu...
• July 28, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I took this approximately 48 hours after unprotected sex while I was ovulating. I felt fine after taking the pill. A few days before my period was due, I experienced major mood swings, bloating, cramps, and sore breasts. These symptoms lasted for the few days before I was due, and then the symptoms stopped on the actual day I was due. But no period. Needless to say, I was freaking out! (This is why I am writing this to help others from freaking) -- I was supposed to start on a Friday. Then Saturday rolls around, then Sunday and no period... Just really, really sore breasts on Sunday. That Monday evening, I finally started and had breast tenderness, cramps, headache, tiredness... But at least I started - 3 (longest days of my life) days late."

• Dou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I want to share my experience with this drug. I had sex on ovulation day (day 13 of cycle) but the condom broke and he finished inside me. I panicked because I was not using any regular contraceptive pill, IUD, or anything, and coming from a religious family, getting pregnant without marriage would be a disaster! So I took Plan B after 1 hour. I had mild cramps and a headache only after a few hours... then I developed panic attacks, but it could be from me being so anxious. Days after, my breasts were swollen, and I was very moody. I also had a mild headache. On day 18, I had major panic disorders, became very moody, and had crying spells. My breasts became sensitive and hurt a little. Of course, I went through depression thinking of what might happen if I got pregnant. However, I started having PMS like usual. On day 26, I had my period :)))))) Ladies, believe in this pill. It works. I know it causes a lot of anxiety, and this is normal. It's effective even after ovulation. Relax and let the pill do the job."

• Ano...
• July 25, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Long story short, I had unprotected intercourse with someone I knew I did not want a kid by. He came inside of me one day into my fertile window, three days before ovulation. I was scared out of my mind, and the Plan B symptoms didn’t help: achy boobs and headaches. Happy to say, though, three days late, I have my period, so don’t worry, it works. Just read the reviews to keep you calm and stay away from Google. I’m also about ten pounds over the weight limit, and I took it twelve hours after intercourse."

• Ang...
• June 6, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I just want to ease everyone’s minds that have taken the Plan B while ovulating. I took the Plan B pill and took an ovulation test, and it showed 2 lines on it. So yes, I was ovulating. If you would Google it, it says it does NOT work while ovulating. It did work for me while ovulating, and the condom broke once after he finished, and then the next day he decided not to wear one. So girls, just give it some time to let the medicine do its thing. I ended up feeling some really bad PMS symptoms, though. I felt dizzy, hot flashes, fatigued, tired even if you did absolutely nothing, and some mild cramps. I experienced no breakthrough bleeding or any spotting. My period came only 1 day later than it should have. But while writing this on my period, I am super tired, have a headache, and I’m cramping in the front and on my lower back. This is the worst period I’ve had, but I’d rate a bad period over a baby for right now."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex, took an ovulation test the next day, and it was super positive. I took Plan B during the LH surge, and it worked! I got my period two weeks and two days later, right on time!! I spent days reading reviews on here, and I wanted to share my experience to ease other women’s minds :) I couldn’t give it a 10 because the side effects were rough. I was nauseous for a week, and the PMS was bad - I had muscle aches and a bad headache, which have mostly subsided. Good luck! Breathe."

• Mas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I had sex during the ovulation period. I was so paranoid that I decided to take Plan B. I took Plan B like 30 hours later. Well, let me tell you, let this be your last resort. I experienced so many pregnancy symptoms throughout this whole ordeal, I was freaking out so bad until my period came. I felt very sick. I had sore breasts, headaches, fatigue, horrible cramping, and the worst diarrhea. I felt depressed after taking this. The hormones are crazy and will make you feel insane. Not everyone has the same side effects though, so maybe it will be different for you."

• ANO...
• January 6, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Ladies. I literally thought I was pregnant. I took the pill on the 21st of Nov, we were unprotected and weren’t sure if he pulled out quick enough. I took it within an hour. A day later, I felt nauseous, had a headache, and experienced breast tenderness. I felt that for 2 weeks, and then I had withdrawal bleeding, which I low-key mixed up for implantation bleeding. After that, I had every symptom from frequent urination to my ovaries feeling weird, with so much pressure and my nipples darkening, all of it. Even a lot of discharge. I was too scared to take a pregnancy test, so I figured I would just wait it out, and today, Jan 6, I finally got my period!!! This is my second time taking Plan B, and definitely an experience. I will never put myself through this again. Ladies, please be safe and get on birth control if this is a recurring thing. God bless!!!"

• Tha...
• February 25, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I spent hours and days reading and re-reading everyone’s experience with this pill, and here goes mine. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend on my ovulation day (according to several period trackers). I took the pill 5-6 hours after we did it. The reviews say it’s useless if you have already begun ovulating, but I took it anyway. THEN I started reading about how the pill isn’t as effective if you’re overweight. I’m 5’3”, 220 lbs, so that scared me. I didn’t have any spotting after taking it, but I had severe headaches and nausea the same day. My period finally came 5 days late, and I was scared because I never had any cramps, breast tenderness, or any symptoms of anything the days before my period came. I still took a pregnancy test even though I’m bleeding. It’s negative. Take the pill, ladies, and STAY OFF the internet! Lesson learned. Getting on birth control, but most importantly, staying celibate until there is a ring on my finger. Hope this helped someone!"

• hug...
• June 5, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "Alright ladies.. This pill is a lifesaver! Me and my boyfriend had an incident when the condom broke. At the time, I was ovulating and I took the Plan B pill within 24 hours. I didn't have any symptoms for about a week, and then I got ALL of them. Tender breasts, abdominal pain, bloating, very weird stomach noises, bad headaches, and very tired. My biggest symptom was being worried though! I am only 16, and I am now not pregnant. This pill works miracles! One relieved lady right here. Good luck to all of you!"

• rel...
• January 15, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "Ladies, let me tell you this pill works! My boyfriend and I had the condom fail right during the middle of my cycle. I went to the pharmacy about 9 hours later and bought some. Right after I took it, I felt fatigued the whole first day. I did experience some other side effects as well, seeing as I have never been on any hormonal contraceptive. I had cramps for the full two weeks until I got my period, as well as breast tenderness. The week after I took the pill, I felt nauseous, had sore breasts, a sore back, cramps, and headaches. I thought I was pregnant and got really stressed out. I got my period right on time though, despite my stress. My best advice is to just relax and wait it out. Easier said than done, I know!"

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on 9/23 (fourth day of my period) and took Plan B about an hour later. I’ve taken the pill before closer to ovulation and have had pretty normal experiences. Something about taking it during my period this time really threw everything off, though. My next period was over a week late (38 days in this cycle), and up until then, I had so many signs that I was pregnant: sore breasts, white discharge, fatigue, headaches, etc. I took two pregnancy tests that both showed negative, but I was still paranoid - I’ve had protected sex since then and kept thinking, “maybe a different condom failed??” Finally, today my period started - 34 days after taking Plan B. If you’re reading reviews because you’re late or worried about the effectiveness, stop torturing yourself. Everything will be alright!!"

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, so I had sex on the 16th of August. It was completely raw, he didn’t pull out or anything. I was scared that I was going to get pregnant, and I couldn’t get the pill until 32 hours later. I wasn’t ovulating, but I was about to, and sperm lasts 3-5 days in your system. So I got the pill like 32 hours later, and then after that, I had pregnancy symptoms. I missed my period, headaches, nausea, etc. My period was late by 12 days. I took a pregnancy test 3 days after I missed my period, and it came out negative. I took another one at the doctor, and it came out negative too. I was so relieved, but I was still scared because I didn’t get my period. The doctor told me Plan B makes you miss your period sometimes, and yesterday I got spotting. It started coming heavier, and it was my period!! This pill actually works, just STAY calm, everything will be okay!"

• Maz...
• January 24, 2015

For Emergency Contraception "This pill saved my life! My boyfriend and I are 16 and have sex, we always use a condom, but one night we had an accident where the condom broke. We couldn't go out that night to get Plan B, but we went early the next morning (15 hours later). Since I still had to wait 2 weeks to get my period, I spent it stressing and feeling nervous. But sure enough, today I got my period a day early! I only had a headache and sleepiness for the first two days of the pill. But I'm relieved, and it was well worth the 50 dollars. Mistakes happen."

• Oli...
• December 14, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had an accident with my boyfriend on the exact day I was ovulating, according to my period tracker app, and literally drove to the drug store right after to buy Plan B. I took the pill within 20 minutes of the accident happening and immediately had cramping/pressure. I freaked out for 2 weeks straight, even took a few pregnancy tests because I was so scared it didn’t work. 2 weeks after taking it, I got really dizzy throughout the day and had a really bad headache, so my side effects came around 1.5 weeks after taking it, BUT it worked and I got my period on the exact day I was supposed to. Reading these comments helped me calm down, so I figured I would share my experience."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Plan B works, but it will screw with your mind. These user reviews kept me from going absolutely insane. Had sex on 8/13, almost positive I had ovulated that day-dumb, I know. My boyfriend is good at controlling himself and pulling out, but this time he made a mess with the cum after getting out. Took Plan B 4 hrs after and was nauseous with minor headaches, then exactly 1 week later (8/20) literally ALL the pregnancy symptoms hit me like a ton of bricks-spotting, cramps, mood swings, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, headaches, food aversions/cravings, sore breasts, elevated temperature, etc. The spotting went away, but the other stuff went on 'til 8/27, the day my period was due. I about lost my mind of anxiety, but 8/28 I got a negative result on a pregnancy test and my period later in the day. The meds work, just don’t let the side effects get to you-they’re still better than getting pregnant. Stay off Google, read the reviews here and relax. Better yet, have safe sex."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Plan B works, but it will screw with your mind. These user reviews kept me from going absolutely insane. Had sex on 8/13, almost positive I had ovulated that day-dumb, I know. My boyfriend is good at controlling himself and pulling out, but this time he made a mess with the cum after getting out. Took Plan B 4 hrs after and was nauseous with minor headaches, then exactly 1 week later (8/20) literally ALL the pregnancy symptoms hit me like a ton of bricks-spotting, cramps, mood swings, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, headaches, food aversions/cravings, sore breasts, elevated temperature, etc. The spotting went away, but the other stuff went on 'til 8/27, the day my period was due. I about lost my mind of anxiety, but 8/28 I got a negative result on a pregnancy test and my period later in the day. The meds work, just don’t let the side effects get to you-they’re still better than getting pregnant. Stay off Google, read the reviews here and relax. Better yet, have safe sex."

• not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "My boyfriend and I had unprotected sex around 11:30 p.m. on 12/3, and I was due to ovulate on 12/5. He claimed that he completely pulled out before he ejaculated, but I wasn't completely convinced. The next day, around 7:30 p.m. (20 hours after the act), I took a Plan B One-Step. Since I was so early in my cycle, I knew I would have to wait a while to see if it worked. I did not experience any symptoms until about a week later, when I started having sore boobs, headaches, and light brown spotting that lasted a couple of days. I was due for my period on 12/21, and it came a day early on 12/20. For everyone out there worrying: STOP! If you took it within the suggested time frame, it WILL work! Relax and let the pill do its job :)"

• Cee...
• July 7, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "I didn't see enough ovulation Plan B stories, so I thought I would share my experience. After the deed was done, I noticed the condom was broken. I checked to see if I was ovulating (which I was). I got upset and made my boyfriend drive to the nearest pharmacy and pick up Plan B. I took it within 2 hours of the condom breaking. It thickened my cervical mucus and kind of expelled the leftover semen. The next 2 weeks were filled with cramping, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and anxiety. The cramps felt like implantation cramps (one side and sharp). Also turned out to be NOT PREGNANT :)"

• The...
• February 27, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "So my boyfriend and I had sex around 12:30 am. He didn't have a condom, and he asked me if I was ovulating/fertile, and my dumb ass said no, so he ended up finishing inside of me for the first time ever. I went to the bathroom right away and checked my period tracker app, and it was the day I was ovulating. I FREAKED OUT, I was so scared. I'm not on any kind of birth control! So the next morning, 8 hours later, we went to Walgreens, and he bought me the Plan B pill. The next 2 weeks, I had symptoms: nausea, headaches, cramping in my left lower abdomen, and sore breasts. I was terrified and kept thinking it was pregnancy symptoms! Anyway, it was the longest two weeks of my life, and I ended up getting my period the day I was supposed to. :) Don't freak out, it works!"

• Not...
• December 4, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex the day before ovulation. I wasn't aware at that time I was extremely fertile. I took Plan B within 6 hours after intercourse. I can't lie, I absolutely knew I was pregnant! I had all the symptoms. I was nauseated, had headaches, swollen breasts, and cramped daily. I was so ecstatic to see my period come on the same day it was expected! Birth control pills will be started today! Thanks, Plan B!"