Does Plan B Cause Vaginal Discharge?

Worried (16) writes: Hi Hannah, I had unprotected sex 13 days ago and took Plan B 48 hours later then took the second pill 12 hours later. I am due to get my period today or any day now. But I am experiencing some vaginal discharge. It is odorless, but is kind of like a watery, sticky kind of discharge. Any idea what’s going on?

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Dear Worried,

Vaginal discharge comes in all “shapes and colors.” Truthfully, I’m not aware of Plan B directly having an impact on the type of vaginal discharge a girl will have. I’ve gone over the vaginal discharge basics & types of vaginal discharges below.

Taking Plan B 48 hours after having unprotected sex gives you fairly good odds for not getting pregnant. I would recommend (if there is a next time) to take both pills back to back instead of waiting the 12 hours. Scientists have recently determined that it’s more effective to take the total dose at one time (which is why we now have Plan B One Step). It’s also best to take Plan B immediately after having unprotected sex, as in within the first 12 hours. The sooner you take Plan B (or any other emergency contraceptive), the higher your chances for not getting pregnant.

Since you do still have some risk, if your period does not come, I would recommend you take a home pregnancy test around the day that your next period should have ended. You’ll want to take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning with your concentrated urine for best results.

Best luck,
Hannah

Vaginal Discharge Basics

When puberty begins, it’s normal to experience a white and/or clear mucous vaginal discharge. This is a sign that your vagina is doing its job and is cleaning itself. The white/clear discharge will then increase as you get closer to ovulation (around the middle of the time between your last period ending and your next period beginning). The “normal” vaginal discharge also increases when you are sexually aroused. It’s just a normal part of girl life, so get used to it :) When you are sexually aroused, your vagina is self lubricating in preparation for having sex.

Note: Many girls find that they don’t create enough natural lubricant before sex and find intercourse to be quite painful; the solution to this is easy – Walmart, CVS and most pharmacies carry what many refer to as “Personal Lubricants” to provide that additional moisture to make sex more enjoyable. Just be aware that if you use too much the guy’s penis will slide around too easily and the lack of friction won’t make sex quite as “fun.” There are even scented personal lubricants which may help make sex even funner for guys who are sensitive to smells (some guys may be repulsed by the unique smells coming from your vagina).

Back to normal vaginal discharge :) Some girls will experience this normal discharge for months or even a couple years before their first period arrives. This white/clear mucous vaginal discharge will continue even after your first period finally arrives. Some girls will find that their vaginas are making more discharge than other girls. Panty liners come in quite handy for this group. Your friends might not need to wear one every day of the week, but don’t be embarrassed if you have to.

Your normal white or clear vaginal discharge may turn yellowish when it is exposed to air. If, however, your vaginal discharge is coming out yellow while it is still wet, then you might have a bacterial infection. In this case, you’d definitely better see your doc.

Types of Vaginal Discharge

Clear & watery: This type of vaginal discharge may occur at different times throughout your menstrual cycle; this discharge may be noticeably heavy especially after exercising or any other intense physical activity.

Clear & stretchy: This is what we term “fertile mucous”; experiencing this discharge typically means that you are ovulating.

White: A thick white vaginal discharge is commonly experienced at the beginning & end of your menstrual cycle. Normal white vaginal discharge is not accompanied by vaginal itching. If itching is present, be aware that a thick white vaginal discharge can indicate a yeast infection, and you should see your doctor for treatment.

Spotting Blood or Brown Discharge: This type of vaginal discharge may be seen shortly after your period comes to an end; this normal discharge is merely an indication that your vagina is being cleaned out. The brown appearance is due to the darker, morbid color which older blood takes on. A spotting blood or brown vaginal discharge may also occur during the middle of your menstrual cycle around the time that you are ovulating.

Yellow or Green: This type of vaginal discharge may indicate an infection is present, especially if the discharge has an unpleasant odor and is thick or has a consistency similar to that of cottage cheese clumps.

Types of Vaginal Infections

You can get these infections at any time – even if you are not currently sexually active.

Signs of yeast infections:
Itching which is intense
A discharge which is white and, as some put it, cottage cheese-like
Pain with swelling around your vulva

Signs of bacterial vaginosis:
Some redness and/or swelling of the vagina & vulva
A fishy odor that is strongest after washing with soap or following sex
A yellowish, gray or white vaginal discharge
Burning and/or itching