Today, we’re looking at all things Plan B – what it is, how it works, and the potential risks and side effects.
I cannot risk an unplanned pregnancy right now. If I had unprotected sex, can’t I just take Plan B?
First – (and this may seem obvious) if you are having sex, there’s always a chance that you could get pregnant.
Second – You may already know, no artificial birth control is fool proof. This includes Plan B.
Third – All medications come with certain risks, some more than others. If you’re thinking about taking Plan B to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to have the facts on how it can affect your body.
WHAT IS PLAN B AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Plan B is advertised as a form of emergency contraception (also known as Emergency Birth Control or The Morning After Pill). It’s a high-dose synthetic hormonal birth control that aims to lower the occurrence of pregnancy by delaying a woman’s ovulation[1].
Plan B should never be used as regular birth control[1]. It should also be noted that Plan B tends to be less effective for women who weigh 165 pounds or more[2].
WHAT IF I ALREADY OVULATED? WILL PLAN B CAUSE A MISCARRIAGE OR ABORTION?
Yes, in some cases, Plan B can prevent an already fertilized egg from developing and implanting into the uterus[3]. Because of this, the embryo cannot develop into a viable pregnancy and will eventually be aborted. While this is not the intended function of Plan B, it certainly can and does happen.
IS PLAN B THE SAME AS THE ABORTION PILL?
While they might seem similar, Plan B and the Abortion Pill are not the same medications, and they do not do the same things inside the body; although it could result in the same outcome of an abortion. The goal of Plan B is to delay ovulation and therefore prevent a pregnancy before it starts, whereas the goal of the Abortion Pill is to end a pregnancy that has already begun[1].
Do not use Plan B if you think you may already be pregnant, because it will not work.
Call us to schedule a pregnancy test. We are here for you!
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
All medications have risks, complications, and side effects, so it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of Plan B so you can protect your health! Common side effects of Plan B include[1]:
● Allergic reaction to levonorgestrel (a hormone found in Plan B)
● Headache
● Dizziness
● Cramps or abdominal pain
● Nausea or vomiting
● Pain and tenderness
● Fatigue
● Irregular periods
If you experience bleeding or spotting for longer than a week or severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking Plan B, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms can indicate that an abortion or an ectopic pregnancy has occurred[1], and you should seek care immediately.
Frequent use of Plan B is not recommended and may cause hormonal imbalances.
CAN PLAN B REALLY CAUSE IRREGULAR PERIODS?
When you are concerned about an unplanned pregnancy, the last thing you want to deal with is an irregular period. Unfortunately, your period could be delayed after taking Plan B. You may also experience bleeding between periods or a heavier flow during your next period.[1]
HOW CAN LITTLE WAY HELP?
I’m considering Plan B, and I’d like to talk with someone.
Take a deep breath. Our nurses are here to help. We can share more information about Plan B, how your cycle works, and answer any questions you might have.
Feel free to call, schedule an appointment, and we will have a nurse reach out to you.
I already took Plan B, but my period is late! Now what?
If your period is delayed after taking Plan B, it may be a sign that the medication failed[1]. The next step is to determine if you are pregnant.
Our Little Way team is here to help. We offer medical-grade pregnancy tests and ultrasounds at no charge to you, and can answer your questions so that you can make an informed and empowered decision.
Our goal is to equip you to take your next steps with confidence, to make the best choice for you.
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Sources
1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#
2. Cleland, K., Raymond, E. G., Westley, E., & Trussell, J. (2014, December). Emergency contraception review: Evidence-based recommendations for clinicians. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4216625/
3. Embryocidal Potential of Modern Contraceptives. AAPLOG. (2020, January 15). Retrieved from https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FINAL-CO-7-Embryocidal-Potential-of-Modern-Contraception-1.20.20.pdf
4. Food and Drug Administration. Plan B label.
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