Short answer
No. Plan B (levonorgestrel) is a single-dose emergency contraceptive that primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation. Medical research and major health organizations have not found a link between taking Plan B and long-term infertility. Fertility generally returns with the next normal menstrual cycle.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
How Plan B works
Plan B contains a high dose of the progestin levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy. Instead, it works mainly by:
- Delaying or inhibiting ovulation
- Thickening cervical mucus to reduce sperm movement
- Not affecting a fertilized egg that has already implanted
Fertility after taking Plan B
Because Plan B is a one-time hormonal intervention, it does not permanently alter the reproductive system. Most people resume regular ovulation and menstrual cycles within one to two months. Studies tracking women after emergency contraceptive use have not shown reduced long-term fertility compared to those who did not use it.
What the research says
Major health authorities, including the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, state that emergency contraception does not cause infertility. Large-scale reviews have not identified lasting harm to future pregnancy outcomes or reproductive health from repeated use of levonorgestrel-based products, though frequent use is not recommended as a primary birth control method.
When to see a doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if periods do not return to normal within a few weeks, if you have severe abdominal pain, or if you have concerns about underlying fertility issues. These symptoms are uncommon and may point to unrelated conditions rather than the medication itself.