Emergency contraception from Nurx costs as little as $0 with insurance or $45 per pill without insurance.
It’s not unusual to notice bleeding about a week after taking the morning-after pill. Emergency contraception contains a higher dose of hormones, which can temporarily shift your cycle and cause unexpected spotting or light bleeding. This bleeding is often brown or pink and usually settles within a few days.
While this is generally normal, keep an eye on your symptoms. If the bleeding is very heavy, lasts longer than a few days, or comes with severe pain, it’s a good idea to check in with an in-person healthcare provider for guidance.
Why am I bleeding 1 week after taking the morning-after pill?
Bleeding about a week after using emergency contraception is pretty common. The high hormone dose temporarily shifts your body’s natural hormone balance.
Because this pill works by preventing or delaying ovulation, it can cause your uterine lining to shed irregularly, leading to spotting or light breakthrough bleeding between periods as one of the side effects.
Can Plan B One-Step® cause spotting 7 days after taking it?
Yes. Plan B One-Step® and other levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptives can cause spotting or light bleeding around 5–7 days after taking the pill.
Loads of people who take emergency contraceptives notice this intermenstrual bleeding. It’s usually lighter than a regular period and may appear brownish in color.
What causes bleeding a week after taking emergency contraception?
Bleeding a week after emergency contraception is usually due to hormonal changes from the synthetic progestogen in pills like Plan B®. Because it halts ovulation, the pill can affect your reproductive system in a few ways:
- Slight thinning of the uterine lining
- Shifts in your usual menstrual cycle timing (your next period may come earlier or later)
- Changes in cervical mucus
- Temporary effects on blood vessels in the uterus
These changes are common and typically resolve on their own within a few days.
When is bleeding after emergency contraception a concern?
Most spotting after emergency contraception is mild and short-lived, but you should reach out to urgent care if you notice any of the following side effects:
- Heavy bleeding in your menstrual cycle (soaking through more than one pad per hour)
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
- Severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, fever, or unusual discharge
These could be signs of conditions that need medical evaluation, such as:
- Incomplete miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic infection
- Other reproductive health concerns
If you’re ever unsure, contacting a healthcare provider is the best way to get personalized guidance and peace of mind.
Was I pregnant if I bleed after taking the morning-after pill?
Spotting or bleeding after taking emergency contraception doesn’t automatically mean you were pregnant. Most often, this bleeding is just a normal side effect of the hormones in the pills, not a sign of early pregnancy loss.
If you’re still worried about pregnancy, a home pregnancy test taken at least three weeks after unprotected sex will give the most reliable results. This can help you get clear answers and plan your next steps.
How can I ease bleeding after taking emergency birth control?
Spotting or light bleeding after taking emergency contraception is common and can’t necessarily be stopped or prevented. But there are ways to make yourself more comfortable while it passes:
- Use panty liners or light pads instead of tampons to easily track your flow.
- Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen to ease cramps.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, following the directions on the package.
- Stay hydrated and rest—your body is adjusting to hormonal changes.
- Take it easy on intense exercise until the bleeding and any cramping have eased.
These steps can help you manage discomfort while your cycle gets back on track.
Bleeding after emergency contraception is normal
Experiencing bleeding a week after taking emergency contraception can feel unsettling, but it’s most often just a normal response to the hormones in the pill. If your bleeding feels heavy, lasts longer than a few days, or comes with pain or other unusual symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider.
A licensed provider can review your symptoms, help determine what’s normal versus what needs attention, recommend ways to manage side effects like light bleeding or cramping, and discuss future contraception options.
Through a convenient online platform, you can get personalized guidance from experienced providers—helping you navigate morning-after pill bleeding and stay on track with your reproductive health.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.
Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of required consultation. Individual results may vary.
Levonorgestrel (generic Plan B®) tablet 1.5 mg, intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex, may cause side effects, including dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, nausea or spotting. If you would like to learn more about Levonorgestrel tablet 1.5 mg, please see product information here. Use as directed.