Cramping 5 days after taking emergency contraception like Plan B is common. Here’s an in-depth look at how long cramps can last & what causes late cramping.
It’s been almost a week since you took a medication side effects checker like Plan B, yet you’re still experiencing cramps.
Is this normal? As someone who has taken emergency contraception in the past, I definitely understand the concern.
The cramps and bleeding can be alarming if you don’t know what to expect.
The good news is that it’s very common to have cramps 5 days after taking Plan B.
In fact, side effects like cramping and irregular bleeding can last up to a week or even longer for some women. Here’s a detailed look at what causes late cramping and when you should worry.
What Causes Cramping 5 Days After Taking Plan B?
Plan B contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which temporarily stops ovulation and prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. It works by delaying ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent fertilization.
When you take Plan B, it causes a rapid change in hormones. This sudden fluctuation can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle and lead to common side effects like:
- Cramping – This is due to the lining of the uterus thickening and then shedding. The cramps are usually mild but can be severe for some women. They tend to peak 1-3 days after taking Plan B but may persist for 5 days or more.
- Irregular bleeding – You might experience spotting, heavy bleeding, or an early/late period after taking emergency contraception. This is the uterus shedding its lining due to the hormone changes.
- Nausea – About a quarter of women feel nauseous after taking Plan B. This stems from the high levels of hormones.
- Fatigue – Hormone fluctuations can make you feel tired and sluggish.
- Headaches – These are also triggered by the spike in hormones, especially estrogen.
- Dizziness – Some women report feeling lightheaded and dizzy after taking Plan B.
The bottom line is your body needs time to adjust to the sudden natural hormone spike caused by Plan B. It can take a week or sometimes longer for the effects to fully subside.
How Long After Taking Plan B Do Cramps Last?
Every woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes from emergency contraception. While cramping 5 days after is certainly normal, the duration varies:
- 24 hours – Cramping often starts within a day of taking Plan B. These tend to be mild and last for several hours.
- 3-5 days – Many women report cramps peaking at around 3 days after and lasting up to 5 days or more. The pain is usually tolerable but can be severe for some.
- 1-2 weeks – It’s not abnormal for side effects like cramping and bleeding to persist for up to a week or two after taking Plan B. This allows the hormones to stabilize.
I remember still having mild cramps even 2 weeks after taking Plan B once. While annoying, it’s a sign that the medication is working to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Every woman and every cycle is different.
The key is to watch for very severe pain that leaves you unable to do daily activities. That’s when you need to see a doctor right away.
When to Worry About Cramping After Plan B?
Here are some red-flag symptoms that warrant medical care:
- Severe cramping that lasts over a week with no relief
- Heavy bleeding longer than 2 weeks or bleeding that makes you dizzy
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Sharp pelvic pain that feels different than period cramps
- Unusual discharge that smells foul
While unlikely, the above symptoms may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, infection, or other complication. It’s better to get checked out for peace of mind. Most cases of cramping 5 days after Plan B are not dangerous, though. They are simply bothersome side effects that resolve within a few weeks at most.
To help manage the cramps:
- Take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated with water
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen cramps
If symptoms don’t improve after 2-3 weeks, consult your gynecologist to rule out any medical issues.
When to Expect Your Next Period?
It’s very common for Plan B to make your next period come earlier or later than expected.
- Early period – Some women bleed again just 2 weeks after taking Plan B. This early withdrawal bleed is a side effect of the medication.
- Late period – Your next period may be 1-2 weeks late after taking emergency contraception. This is also normal.
- Same timing – You may still get your period at the same time as you normally would. But the flow can be lighter or heavier than usual.
Bottom line: don’t panic if your cycle is thrown off after taking Plan B. It can take 1-2 months for your periods to return to a regular schedule.
If your period is more than 2 weeks late after taking Plan B, take a pregnancy test to rule that out. The medication is about 95% effective, so pregnancy is unlikely but still possible.
