Plan B (also known as the "morning-after pill") is a form of contraception that can prevent pregnancy if taken soon after unprotected intercourse. It is a good option for those who did not use birth control or had a failure of their birth control method and do not wish to chance pregnancy. According to the American Medical Women's Association, Plan B could prevent about 75% of the unwanted pregnancies in the United States. It is available over the counter for men and women age 17 and older. For those under 17 years old, a prescription will be needed from a health care provider.
How to Use Plan B
Plan B comes in a package of two small pills. Both pills can be taken at the same time, or each pill can be taken 12 hours apart. Plan B must be taken within five days of the unprotected intercourse; however, it is more effective the sooner you take it. The World Health Organization states that if used within five days of unprotected intercourse, Plan B can reduce the chances of pregnancy between 60 and 90 percent. The pills can make you feel nauseous or make you vomit, so take them with food.
How Plan B Works
The pills in Plan B consist of a type of synthetic progestin. This type and dose of progestin prevent ovulation from occurring. However, the drug does not affect the lining of the uterus. If a fertilized egg has already implanted into the uterus, Plan B will not work and it will not cause an abortion. It will not work if the woman is already pregnant, and if taken during pregnancy it will not harm the mother or baby.
Safety
According to Planned Parenthood, Plan B has been used for more than 30 years with no serious complications reported. Though it consists of the same hormones used in birth control pills, it does not carry the same risk because the hormones are in your body for less time. The World Health Organization considers Plan B to be one of the safest contraceptives.
Side Effects of Plan B
According to Planned Parenthood, fewer than 1 in 4 women will feel sick when they take Plan B. However, nausea and vomiting are considered common side effects. Other side effects include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches and dizziness.
Follow Up
Use another birth control method or abstain from sex until your period has started. Your menstrual period should start about three to four weeks after taking Plan B. If it hasn't, take a pregnancy test. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about starting birth control if you don't already have a method that works for you.
References
- Journal of Women's Health; AMWA Position Statement on Emergecny Contraception; Devi, G., Shin, E., Kim, E., Lo, V.; Nov.10, 2009
- World Health Organization: What is Plan B?
- Planned Parenthood: Emergency Contraception
