Plan B
What is it and how does it work?
Emergency contraceptives, like Plan B, are drugs and products used to prevent pregnancy or prevent the implantation of a new pregnancy. It is not recommended for repeated use as regular birth control.
How does it work?
Sperm can live inside your body for up to seven days, making it possible to get pregnant days after having sex. Plan B is a large dose of birth control medication that can prevent pregnancies in three ways:
Prevents ovulation by keeping the egg from being released
Prevents fertilization by stopping the sperm from fertilizing the egg
Prevents implantation of an embryo (fertilized egg) in the uterus by cutting off nourishment to the embryo.
How effective is Plan B?
Plan B is claimed to be 25% to 95% effective depending on how soon you take it after having sex, according to its manufacturer.
%
within 24 hours
%
within 25 – 48 hours
%
within 48 – 72 hours
%
after 72 hours
Factors you may consider:
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
Plan B has been shown to increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition.
AGE AND SAFETY
Plan B has not been approved by the FDA for use by teenagers and the effects on the health of teen girls is still largely unknown.
CURRENT MEDICATIONS/CONTRAINDICATIONS
Many medications have drug interactions with Plan B, so if you are taking medication, check with your doctor to see if Plan B is safe for you.
WEIGHT INFLUENCES EFFECTIVENESS
Studies have shown Plan B to be less effective for women weighing more than 165 pounds.
MORAL/SPIRITUAL CONSIDERATIONS
Women who believe that life begins at conception may have a moral or spiritual conflict with taking Plan B because of the potential for the implantation of a young embryo to be interrupted, causing the death of the embryo.
INCREASED RISK OF CANCER
Many studies have documented an increased risk of cancer with the use of birth control such as Plan B.
STD’S & HIV
Plan B provides no protection against STD’s & HIV.
NURSING MOMS
Small amounts of progestins are passed from mother to baby through breast milk of nursing mothers taking progestin-only pills for long-term contraception, resulting in detectable steroid levels in infant plasma.
What are 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
Painful menstruation
Vaginal discharge
If you experience any of the following side effects, consult with a doctor immediately:
Itching and a rash
Uterine hemorrhage
Vaginal hemorrhage
Any effects that persist or worsen
Sudden or unusual cramps or pain in the stomach or belly
Plan B is a single dose medication. You should never give yourself additional doses. It is recommended that you visit your doctor within three weeks after taking Plan B to confirm that this medicine has not caused any harmful effects.