Plan B

THE MORNING AFTER PILL - Plan B

Make the best decision by educating yourself; it is good to know all the facts before taking the Morning-After Pill. Your body and your health are important, so take time to make the best decision. Please contact us for more information and confidential help.

What is the Morning-After Pill ? Is it Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is considered any type of birth control used after unprotected intercourse, or in the case of a known or suspected contraceptive failure (e.g. a broken condom). The Morning-After Pill is the most common form of emergency contraception.

Is Plan B® Effective?

Plan B® is reported to reduce the chance of pregnancy by 60-94%, depending on which study is considered. However, it's important to note that these figures are based on estimates of when ovulation may have occurred. We have many clients who visit our center for a free pregnancy test only to discover they are still pregnant, even though they had taken Plan B.

How is Plan B® Administered?

Plan B® is administered in two tablets: the first must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and the second 12 hours after the first tablet.

Should I Take the Morning-After Pill?

Many times, women panic after having unprotected sex and rush to take the Morning-After Pill. However, women can only become pregnant on certain days of the month – around the time of ovulation. Typically, there are only about three to five days per month in which pregnancy can occur. Many women take the Morning-After Pill during a time when they are not fertile, meaning that they could not become pregnant anyway. Taking the Morning-After Pill during a time when you cannot become pregnant needlessly exposes you to large doses of hormones.

How Does it Work?

Plan B® is believed to work in one of 3 ways:

1. It may prevent or delay ovulation (release of egg from ovary).

2. It may affect the sperm and tube transport to prevent the egg from being fertilized.

3. It may alter the uterine lining which prevents the fertilized egg from implanting, resulting in an early abortion.

**There is no way to know which way the drug is working in any one person.

Can the Morning-After Pill Cause an Abortion?

That depends upon how you define ‘life’. The scientific reality is that the instant a human egg and sperm unite (fertilization), the newly formed being contains the full complement of DNA in which hair and eye color, gender and all other physical characteristics are determined. During its journey down the fallopian tube, the fertilized egg is actively growing and dividing. It will then implant in the uterine lining where it will continue to grow.

A number of years ago, some in the medical community arbitrarily decided to redefine the beginning of pregnancy to the moment implantation occurs. Clearly, this contradicts the known facts about when life itself begins, and that is at fertilization. So, one of the ways that Plan B® may work is to alter the uterine lining so that a fertilized egg may not be able to implant and grow. Taking Plan B® after the sperm has fertilized the egg may interfere with the fertilized egg’s implantation in the uterus, which some would consider a very early abortion.

Will it Have an Effect on My Period?

It is possible the Plan B® One-Step will effect your period and your cycle. The most common adverse reaction is heavier menstrual bleeding. If your period is delayed for more than one week, pregnancy should be considered.

Should I See a Doctor?

It is necessary to see a doctor whenever taking medications.

Does the Morning-After Pill have Side Effects?

Plan B® includes side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, heavier menstrual bleeding, lighter menstrual bleeding, and dizziness.

Does the Morning-After Pill have Risks?

Forms of the Morning-After Pill that contain the hormone estrogen carry the potential risks associated with that drug. These include: blood clots, stroke and heart attack.

There is some evidence that the Morning-After Pill may put a woman at increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus).

It is very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy because it can be life-threatening. Women who have an ectopic pregnancy may experience irregular vaginal bleeding, abdominal and/or pelvic pain and cramps, shoulder pain, and dizziness. Many of these symptoms are similar to the potential side-effects associated with the use of the Morning-After Pill. It is critical that anyone who has these symptoms be evaluated by a physician.

Could I Already Be Pregnant?

Yes. If you are routinely engaging in unprotected sex, you may already be pregnant from an earlier sexual encounter. This is why taking a pregnancy test before considering Plan B® makes sense. Women who have a known or suspected pregnancy should not take the pills, according to the manufacturers of Plan B® Plan B® One-Step. Please call us for a free and confidential pregnancy test.

Is the Morning-After Pill Right for Someone my Age?

It is unknown whether or not Plan B® is safe and effective for women under the age of 17. There are dangers with different medications for any age person.

What is Unknown about Plan B®?

There is much that is unknown about the drug such as:

Its effect on women 17 and under

Its effects when interacting with other drugs

Its effects on women with certain types of medical conditions

Plan B®’s effects on women’s ovulation and fertility

Effects on fetal growth and development

Additionally, Plan B® is not recommended for routine use, but the makers of Plan B® have not defined what they consider to be “routine”. There has not been any research on drug abuse and dependence on Plan B®.

Will the Morning-After Pill Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections?

The Morning-After Pill does not prevent the spread of STDs / STIs .

*This information is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.

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