Plan B | Emergency Contraceptives
Get the Facts Before You Try Plan B.
Emergency contraceptives, like Plan B, are drugs and products used to prevent pregnancy or prevent the implantation of a new pregnancy. There are many misconceptions about Plan B, and our licensed medical staff is committed to providing women in the Triangle with accurate information about their options.
Call us today for your free pregnancy confirmation and pre-abortion services. All our services are confidential and free of charge – so you don’t need to worry about finances, especially now more than ever!
What emergency contraception options do I have?
Emergency contraceptive options include the Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD), which requires a doctor’s office visit for insertion. Other options include prescription drugs, and morning-after pills that don’t require a prescription, such as Plan B.
Gateway Women’s Care medical staff can answer questions you may have about emergency contraception.
How does Plan B (the Morning-after Pill) work?
Sperm can live inside your body for up to six to seven days, making it possible to get pregnant days after having sex. Plan B is a large dose of birth control medication and can work in 3 ways:
- Preventing the egg from being released (ovulation)
- Preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg (fertilization)
- Preventing an embryo (fertilized egg) from implanting in the uterus (implantation) by cutting off nourishment to the embryo. In this way, Plan B acts as an abortifacient (producing an abortion).
What are the possible side effects of Plan B?
As with most medications there are documented side effects to be aware of. If you have symptoms that persist for more than 48 hours or are severe, see your healthcare professional.
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
Other side effects include:
- Migraine or severe headache
- Lower abdominal pain
- Painful menstruation
- Vaginal discharge
If you experience any of the following side effects, consult with a doctor immediately:
- Itching and a rash
- Sudden or unusual cramps or pain in the stomach or belly
- Uterine hemorrhage
- Vaginal hemorrhage
- Any effects that persist or worsen
Visit your doctor within 3 weeks after taking emergency contraceptive. A doctor should confirm that you are not pregnant, and that this medicine has not caused any harmful effects.
Plan B is a single dose medication. You should never give yourself additional doses.
