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How does Plan B affect your breast?

Understanding the Impact of Plan B on Breast Health
Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is a form of emergency contraception designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. While its primary function is to inhibit ovulation, many women wonder about its side effects, particularly concerning breast health.
Hormonal Changes and Breast Sensitivity
One of the most common effects of taking Plan B is the alteration of hormonal levels in the body. The active ingredient in Plan B, levonorgestrel, is a synthetic progestin that can lead to various physiological changes. Many women report experiencing breast tenderness or sensitivity after taking the pill, which is often attributed to these hormonal fluctuations.
In some cases, women may notice changes in breast size or even breast leakage shortly after taking Plan B. These changes are typically temporary and resolve as the body readjusts to its normal hormonal balance.
Long-Term Effects on Breast Health
Concerns about the long-term effects of repeated use of Plan B on breast health, particularly regarding breast cancer risk, have been a topic of discussion. Current research indicates that there is no significant evidence linking the use of Plan B to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, it is essential for women to consult healthcare professionals if they have specific concerns, especially if they find themselves relying on emergency contraception frequently.
Conclusion
In summary, while Plan B can lead to temporary changes in breast sensitivity and size due to hormonal shifts, these effects are generally short-lived. There is no substantial evidence to suggest that Plan B increases the risk of breast cancer. Women considering or using Plan B should feel empowered to discuss any side effects or concerns with their healthcare provider to ensure their breast health remains a priority.

What to avoid after taking Plan B?

There are certain medications and herbal supplements that you should avoid after taking Plan B, as they may lower the efficacy of the drug. These include: Barbiturates (including primidone) Bosentan.

Is it hard to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While it’s true that breastfeeding can delay the return of your fertility postpartum, it’s not impossible to get pregnant. The time it takes for a woman’s period to return after giving birth can vary widely. Once you start menstruating, it is usually a sign that your fertility has returned or will return soon.

Does Plan B affect the breasts?

Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, dizziness, changes in vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can Plan B cause breast changes?

If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, talk to your doctor about the need to take a second dose. Days 2-3: Side effects such as fatigue, nausea, pelvic pain, headache, and breast tenderness may continue. Days 4-5: Side effects start decreasing, but there can be some lingering headaches and breast tenderness.

What happens to a woman’s body after taking Plan B?

You may get a headache, upset stomach, feel lightheaded or dizzy, or have tender breasts for a short while when you take the morning-after pill. If you throw up within 2 hours of taking the pill, it won’t work and you’ll need to take it again.

How long do breasts hurt after Plan B?

Breast tenderness should last for no more than 1-2 days.

How bad does Plan B mess up your hormones?

Taking emergency contraception pills affects hormone levels in the body, which can cause side effects. Women experience common side effects like heavier menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, breast tenderness, headache, and dizziness.

Can Plan B cause breast enlargement?

A disproportionality analysis was done for 15 adverse events of levonorgestrel; out of these, signal for 10 adverse events was found and among them menstruation delayed was reported maximum (1791), followed by pregnancy after post-coital contraception (942), breast tenderness (901), metrorrhagia (899), dysmenorrhea ( …

Does Plan B have side effects on breast milk?

Yes, you can use Plan B when you are breastfeeding. In general, no harmful effects of progestin‑only pills, like Plan B, have been found on breastfeeding performance or on the health, growth, or development of the infant. However, random cases of decreased (less) milk production in mothers have been reported.

What symptoms does Plan B give you?

Risks

  • Upset stomach or vomiting.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Headache.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Light bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding.
  • Pain or cramps in the stomach area.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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