I have felt tired, increased appetite, a little cramping. Are those side effects of plan b pill?

Hi, guest.

The symptoms you're describing — fatigue, increased appetite, cramping, mood swings, and vaginal discharge — can indeed be side effects of taking the emergency contraceptive pill, like Plan B. These symptoms are typically due to the high dose of levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many birth control pills, which works to prevent pregnancy mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It may also prevent fertilization of an egg (the union of sperm with the egg) or prevent attachment (implantation) of a fertilized egg to the womb (uterus).

The side effects vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience them. Some women may have many side effects, while others may experience few or none at all. The symptoms you are experiencing can be unpleasant but are usually not dangerous. However, if any symptom becomes severe or doesn't go away in a reasonable amount of time, it's important to contact a healthcare provider.

As for whether these symptoms are signs that the pill is working, it's not straightforward. These side effects do not necessarily indicate whether the pill has been effective in preventing pregnancy. The only way to know for sure if the emergency contraception has worked is if your next menstrual period arrives when expected, or to take a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late.

Please note that emergency contraception is not as effective as regular contraceptive methods and is intended for occasional use only. It should not replace a regular method of contraception.

I hope I eased your mind a bit.