Levonorgestrel and Spotting: What Users Say

• Ano...
• May 25, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I swore that I would come back to this website the day I got my period because it kept me sane. I had sex on my ovulation day and took Plan B 24 hours after. I am not on birth control too. He thought he pulled out, but being that we had sex a few times, we weren’t really sure. I was PETRIFIED. I cried for 2 weeks. On day 10 after taking it, I started spotting just like what implantation bleeding looks like. I talked to every person under the sun looking for answers and advice, but I still had to wait it out for the period. The spotting happened for 4 days straight, where it then turned into a period. I was scared to death. I took 3 pregnancy tests, all negative and still didn’t believe it. Stay off doing internet searches, PMS, Plan B side effects, and pregnancy side effects are all the same. Stay off your computer and phone, don't do all the internet searching, and don’t spend $45 extra dollars on pregnancy tests. Take one the day of your missed period. Plan B is expensive for a reason, it works even when ovulating! You got this!"

• ano...
• July 19, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I promise I’d come back on this to write my experience. On May 20, I had unprotected sex, but there was only pre-cum involved. So, I bought Plan B, approximately 40 minutes after and I was ovulating during that time. About 5-7 days after I took Plan B, I spotted for about 4 days. Weeks after, I was convinced that I was pregnant by all the symptoms I had. I remember taking 2 pregnancy tests about a week before my period was supposed to come (don’t do that), it was literally a waste of money. Then I took a pregnancy test after a week of my period being late, and it came out negative. I know I took about 6 pregnancy tests, all came back negative. Overall, my period was 38 days late, literally almost 2 months late. Thank goodness, I got my period today, July 19, after having my last period on May 13. I pray for all of you ladies who are currently going through the scary situation I went through to stay strong and have faith that your period will come. I truly hope this helps someone."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "This has been the roughest 2 weeks of my life, but I promised whenever my period came, I would write on here. Feb 21st, the day after my ovulation day but still in my fertile window, my BF fully came in me after the condom broke. He bought the Plan B 45 minutes later, and I immediately took it. I’m not even close to the age that I want to have kids, so I was scared for my life. I did an internet search on EVERYTHING. Reading these reviews helped me, but did not stop me from stressing. I experienced a little bit of nausea after taking it, but I think that was just me overthinking. I also had all my PMS symptoms like sore boobs, back fatigue, and mild cramps. Then just yesterday, I had spotting similar to implantation bleeding (internet said so), and I was freaking out, but today the flow is heavier, and it’ll probably get heavier as the week goes. I just wanted to say, don’t stress, don’t put a stop to your daily life. And PRAY! Even if you're not religious, just believe in something :) Hope this helps someone."

• Aan...
• October 11, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I was very dumb and was not using condoms or BC. On my day of ovulation, I was convinced he didn't pull out efficiently. The next morning, I took Plan B. The initial effects were not bad at all. My stomach felt a little off but barely noticeable. 5 days later, I started spotting brown which then turned red for about 6 days. I knew this was not my period and apparently this is common. My stomach was bloated all month, and I had really weird cramping all month. This pill creates similar side effects as if you were pregnant, so really try not to think about it because it's going to freak you out. After 2 weeks of not getting my period, I got a negative pregnancy test but my period still wasn't there. My period ended up coming 21 DAYS LATE. My best advice is to trust this pill and try not to google anything. Your mind will really get the best of you and convince you you're pregnant."

• Sli...
• March 19, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I took Plan B on February 9, an hour or two after the deed was done - no protection, and he came inside. I was scheduled to ovulate on February 15. I spotted exactly 1 week later, lasted around 2 days, and it was a dark brown color. I felt completely normal 2 weeks after I took Plan B. After that, I started to feel extremely emotional and anxious. My scheduled period day (March 2nd) came by, and she didn’t show up, I have NEVER been late. Pregnancy tests were negative, thankfully. 11 days late, I started feeling some pre-period cramps. I was hopeful, these came and went for 5 days. It took a total of 16 DAYS for my period to finally come through. The pill did its purpose. I would take it again, but believe me, I learned my lesson. I don’t care how unsexy a condom is, I'm going to protect myself and my girl, as we all should! So don’t worry, sisters!! Be patient and STAY OFF THE INTERNET! I would come here to ease my anxiety, and that’s why I’m here to share my experience. Sending lots of love."

• Nik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So, this is my second round with the Mirena IUD. June 2020 will be 5 years (this is my second one). Recently, I got spotting on Sat, Sun, Mon, then it stopped on Tuesday and returned on Wednesday. I do not remember this happening with my last Mirena, and I'm a bit thrown off as to why it's spotting, then stops, then comes back. Has anyone else experienced this?"

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2008

For Birth Control "I love my Mirena. I've recommended it to several friends. I'm 43 and have 2 kids and wanted something to simplify my life. Insertion was not at all painful or even uncomfortable. I had some spotting continuously for about 3 weeks, but since then I haven't had my period (2 years). I have no side effects at all, and I love NOT getting my period. No cramping, mood swings, PMS, heavy bleeding, not to mention all the dollars saved on NOT buying outrageously expensive tampons and pads. I have never been so happy with a product of this nature. Much better than the pill and that awful sponge, messy diaphragm and horrid condoms!"

• 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!"

• Lin...
• August 21, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I don't understand people who give Plan B a low rating because of the side effects. The purpose of this pill is to prevent pregnancy, not make you feel good! And if its purpose was successful, give it the rating it deserves! People need to understand that this is like dropping a hormonal bomb in your body - yes, your cycle will be messed up for a while, but anything is better than an unwanted pregnancy. I have taken Plan B three times now. This time I was really nervous because I took it on my ovulation day. One week after taking it, I started spotting with light cramping. I was scared that the spotting was implantation bleeding, but eventually the bleeding got heavier and turned into my period 8 days later. Plan B has worked every time I have taken it so far. Ladies, please be patient and remain calm."

• Bus...
• September 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis due to heavy, painful, irregular periods and cysts. My consultant gave me the option to have a Mirena coil, which he said will help my lining of my womb, stop heavy bleeding into my uterus, and having it inserted would feel similar to a smear test. So I booked my appointment based on his recommendation. As the alternative was a hysterectomy. I got it fitted July 2020, which was the most horrendous pain I've ever experienced, felt like a stabbing contraction and I was in tears from the pain. I had a little spotting a few days later with some severe cramps. The cramps stopped and then two weeks later, I started to get brown jelly-like spotting, which wasn't very nice, and I also don't feel very clean because of it. I spotted for two weeks, then came the heavy period, which hasn't stopped and it's constant. I don't like the way it's made me feel, and I've only had it in for five weeks, it's worse than what I had before."

• OB ...
• October 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I am an OB nurse, married with two children ages six and three. I chose the Mirena after suffering severe migraines on the pill. I interviewed several OB doctors at my job and my pregnant patients about their form of birth control prior to their pregnancy and decided to give the Mirena a try. I had the Mirena inserted in early May. Insertion process was very painful. It reminded me much of mild labor contractions. After the insertion, I had mild cramps for the remainder of the day. For three weeks thereafter, I experienced light spotting and wore a pantyliner. For the next four months, I would spot beginning the same day each month for a week followed by a regular light period two weeks after the spotting subsided. It is now five months after insertion and I did spot for less time but no period came. Rather, I experience symptoms of bloating and increased appetite as if my period is going to start but without the period. I am most happy to report NO migraines and I lost weight! My mood and libido have remained the same. I cannot feel the string I was instructed to check for monthly, and no complaints from my husband. I did experience some hair loss and noticed my complexion is not as clear, but overall, I am satisfied with the Mirena and recommend women to try it, especially if you want a low-maintenance birth control method."

• 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."

• TJa...
• June 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm sharing for those of you considering! I'll start by saying EVERYONE'S BODY IS DIFFERENT! Especially with online reviews, I notice that people (as per human nature) tend to share their negative experiences and rarely do so when it's positive. I spent HOURS reading reviews online for all different kinds of IUD's... and it scared the hell out of me! Horror story after horror story and I psyched myself up so much fearing that I would be one of them. My experience was AMAZING! I give massive credit to my doctor - it's all about the expertise and skill of how it's put in. 800 mg of ibuprofen few hours before. 2/10 scale of pain/the mildest cramp during insertion. Drove home. Forgot about it a day later. Only light spotting and no other side effects. 3 weeks post insertion, I'm feeling so great! Trust YOUR body and don't comparing it to anyone else's and 'what could be.' I know I did, and I wish I hadn't.... :) Best of luck!!!!!"

• Lor...
• May 1, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "So we had unprotected sex on the last day of my period and 3 days after period. He came in me both times. I have irregular period time that could happen 18-28 days randomly, and I never had a late period in my whole life, they are always less than 28 days. So I started to get nervous since Google told me irregular period time could cause early ovulation too. I took Plan B 40 hours after yeah, I know it's late. Some spotting showed up a week later. My period didn't arrive on the expected day, and I already said I never had a late period, so by the time 28 days came around without a period, I was totally freaking out. Guys, I know my body and I know how it reacts. I always get breakouts on my face and like lower back pain, but none of those signs showed up. I found these comments really helpful, so I relaxed, and a week later, I finally got my period. No pain, but I did notice a larger amount of flow. My advice is DON'T GOOGLE ANYTHING. You are just freaking yourself out. Just give it time and patience."

• 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."

• San...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 7, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "At 47, after 2+ years of embarrassing and isolating hemorrhaging blood loss, I got a Mirena. Life has greatly changed - while still anemic, I’ve had no more iron infusions or blood transfusions. I am willing to take overnight trips. I occasionally experience spotting, so I still wear pads, but nothing like the clots of 3 years ago. It has proved an absolute positive for me!"

• 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!"

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had mine for 1 year and constantly have spotting or bleeding. My husband jokes that's why it's such a good form of birth control because I'm always bleeding on it. There's only like a week straight that I don't have any spotting or blood. Not very happy. I thought after a year it would've gotten better."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Wish I had done it sooner! I was one of those anti-IUD people to the core before going on Kyleena. I had just heard way too many horror stories and was way too nervous about possible side effects to get one. After my last birth control stopped working for me, I finally made the IUD plunge and boy do I wish I had done it years ago! My biggest fears were weight gain (I've since lost weight) and hormonal acne (little to none). The only side effect I really had was spotting for about a month after getting it in place. I've since stopped getting my period altogether and can't be happier. The insertion was not bad at all! I just wanted to post this because I know there are so many scary reviews, but I'm here to say that most people who are happy with it aren't reviewing it! It's been great to me and everyone else I know who is on it!"

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Ladies, don't stress. Most of the time, this pill works! I'm writing this because I know how much I stressed waiting for my period to finally arrive, and these reviews calmed me down and made me feel like I wasn't alone. My only side effects were fatigue and a few days of spotting starting around 5 days after I took the pill. Finally, after about 2 weeks past my expected period, it finally came! Try not to stress, which I know is hard, but stress really does only delay your period more. Hope this helps!"

• Veq...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "You’re probably scrolling right now super anxious and stressed, so I say calm down and let the pill work its magic. I’m certain it was on ovulation day, the condom broke, he said he did a risky pull out but I honestly don’t trust the pulling out method at all!!! Lol I just don’t trust anyone enough to beat biology like that, and I don’t even want to think about children till I’m 30. I dragged him to immediately buy me Plan B afterwards (about 20 minutes later) and took it in the parking lot. About 5 days later, I started to get super bloated, loss of appetite, crazy mood swings, nausea, tender breasts, and a rise in temperature. Another 4 days and cramping arrived, I saw spotting (like literal red dots) on the 4th day, and that definitely made me panic, but the next day I saw clots and regular flow. Symptoms were awful, but it did its job, and that’s all that matters."

• Ano...
• February 4, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "To whoever is reading this: You’re probably stressed, anxious, and worried. But trust the pill, you will be absolutely fine"

• If...
• March 19, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "I am a teen, and if you are one too, you might want to read this if you're stressing and want to know how this works. I had sex with my boyfriend, he came in me with no condom. We bought Aftera about 1 hour later. My boobs were sore for about two weeks, it first started the day after I had taken the pill. The pain may get really bad, but just breathe and relax, it's a side effect. I got cramps here and there, but it would feel like a little kick to my stomach. Then I had spotting for one day. I thought I was pregnant because of the dark color, but that is also a side effect. Just breathe and let the pill do its work. Plan B and Aftera are the same thing, same ingredients. Don't dig through every website trying to see if you're pregnant or not, it's okay."

• Ano...
• October 14, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, I promised myself that I would do a review once I started my period to calm some of you ladies who are freaking right now. I took the pill probably about 45 minutes after unprotected sex. A week later I started spotting, so of course, I was freaking out thinking it wasn’t my period. It was very light spotting, but my cramps were AWFUL! I was shaking, they were so bad. The bleeding lasted 5 days, so I was hoping it was my period. A few days later, I experienced every pregnancy symptom in the book.. headaches, nausea, exhaustion, sore boobs/nipples, weight gain, cravings. You name it! It felt like the most stressful few months of my life.. this month I was 6 days late on my period and FINALLY started! This pill does have side effects for some people! Not all.. but! If you take it before 72 hours, I promise it works! You’ll be okay, I promise.❤️"

• Tav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena put in Aug 13, 2019... spotted every day for about a month, finally had a period but very lightly. Ruined my sex life, constantly bleeding and smell of old blood. Days I wasn’t spotting when having sex, made me realize that old blood was sitting in my cervix which cause me to smell during sex. Finally got it removed yesterday and just want my body to get back to the way that it was... I would rather deal with my period than to not know when I’m gonna bleed or having continuous spotting and a horrible sex life. One day after removal I’m bleeding like a normal period so hopefully that will clear everything up. I would never put in another Mirena."