You took Plan B. You thought you were protected. But now you have a positive pregnancy test — or symptoms that are making you wonder. If Plan B did not work, you are not alone, and you have options. Here is what you need to know right now.

Why Plan B Sometimes Fails

Plan B (levonorgestrel) is an emergency contraceptive, not a guaranteed pregnancy prevention. Several factors can reduce its effectiveness:

Factor	How It Affects Plan B
Timing	Most effective within 72 hours; effectiveness drops significantly after that
Body weight	May be less effective in women over 165-175 lbs
Ovulation timing	If ovulation already occurred, Plan B cannot prevent pregnancy
Drug interactions	Certain medications can reduce Plan B’s effectiveness
Incorrect use	Taking it after the 72-hour window significantly reduces effectiveness

Signs That Plan B May Not Have Worked

The following signs may indicate that Plan B did not prevent pregnancy. If you experience any of these, take a pregnancy test as soon as possible:

• Missed period more than a week after your expected date
• Unusual spotting that is lighter or different from your normal period
• Breast tenderness or swelling that persists
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in the morning
• Fatigue that is unusual for you
• Frequent urination without a urinary tract infection

What to Do Next: Get a Free Pregnancy Test

The first step is to confirm whether you are pregnant. Do not rely on a single home test — especially if you took it too early. Here is the timeline to follow:

When to Test	Why
2-3 weeks after unprotected sex	hCG levels are detectable by most tests
After a missed period	Most accurate time for a standard test
If negative but symptomatic	Retest in 3-5 days or get a medical-grade test

Why You Need an Ultrasound Before Any Decision

If your pregnancy test is positive, an ultrasound is your critical next step — before you make any decision. Here is why:

• Up to 25% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. An ultrasound confirms whether the pregnancy is viable before you take any action.
• Ectopic pregnancies (where the embryo implants outside the uterus) are life-threatening and cannot be treated with the abortion pill. An ultrasound rules this out.
• Gestational age determines which options are available to you. You need to know exactly how far along you are.

“Before making any decision about your pregnancy, you need two pieces of information: Is the pregnancy viable? And how far along are you? A free ultrasound gives you both.”

— Problem Pregnancy Center

Your Options in Southfield, MI

If Plan B did not work and you are pregnant, you have three options. Problem Pregnancy Center can help you understand all of them — without pressure, without judgment, and completely free.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How long after taking Plan B should I take a pregnancy test?

Wait at least 2-3 weeks after taking Plan B before testing. Testing too early can give a false negative because hCG levels may not be high enough to detect yet. For the most accurate result, test after your expected period date.

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❓ Can Plan B cause a false positive pregnancy test?

No. Plan B does not contain hCG (the pregnancy hormone), so it cannot cause a false positive pregnancy test. If your test is positive, you are pregnant.

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❓ What if I can’t afford a pregnancy test?

Problem Pregnancy Center in Southfield, MI provides completely free, lab-quality pregnancy tests. No insurance, no cost, no judgment. Walk in Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

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❓ Is it safe to take Plan B more than once?

Plan B is considered safe to take more than once, but it is not recommended as a regular form of contraception. It is less effective than ongoing birth control methods and does not protect against STIs.

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❓ What are my options if I’m pregnant and not ready?

You have three options: parenting, adoption, and abortion. Problem Pregnancy Center can help you explore all three with compassionate, non-judgmental counseling — completely free.