Plan B One-Step is a brand name commonly recognized when discussing emergency contraception. But What Does Plan B Do exactly? Plan B One-Step is a type of morning-after pill that serves as a backup method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that primarily works by temporarily preventing the release of an egg from the ovary, a process known as ovulation.
Emergency contraception, including Plan B, is designed for situations where regular birth control methods were not used correctly or failed. It’s crucial to understand that these pills are not intended as a routine form of birth control, but rather as a safety net in urgent situations. Most morning-after pills available contain either levonorgestrel, like Plan B One-Step and its generic versions, or ulipristal acetate (ella). Levonorgestrel-based pills are available over-the-counter without a prescription, while ulipristal acetate requires a prescription.
Why Use Plan B? Situations for Emergency Contraception
The morning-after pill, such as Plan B, plays a vital role in preventing unintended pregnancies in various scenarios. Consider using emergency contraception if you:
- Had unprotected sex: This is the most common reason to use Plan B. If you had sexual intercourse without using any form of birth control, or if protection failed, emergency contraception can help.
- Missed birth control pills: Forgetting to take your regular birth control pills, especially multiple doses, can increase the risk of pregnancy. Plan B can be used as a backup if you’ve missed pills and had unprotected sex.
- Experienced condom failure: Condoms can break or slip during intercourse. If this happens, emergency contraception is an option to prevent potential pregnancy.
- Miscalculated fertile days: If you are tracking your cycle for natural family planning and miscalculate your fertile window, or had intercourse during what you thought was a safe period, Plan B can provide a safety measure.
- Were sexually assaulted: In the unfortunate event of sexual assault, emergency contraception is available to prevent pregnancy.
It is important to reiterate that Plan B and other morning-after pills are designed to prevent pregnancy before it starts. They primarily work by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. They are not abortion pills and will not terminate an existing pregnancy. Medications like mifepristone and misoprostol are used for medical abortions to end an early pregnancy, and these are distinct from emergency contraceptive pills.
How Does Plan B Work to Prevent Pregnancy?
Plan B’s effectiveness lies in its ability to interfere with ovulation. The active ingredient, levonorgestrel, is a synthetic progestin hormone. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, Plan B can work in several ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Delaying or Preventing Ovulation: The primary mechanism of Plan B is to postpone or completely stop the release of an egg from the ovaries. If ovulation is prevented, there is no egg to be fertilized by sperm, thus preventing pregnancy.
- Thickening Cervical Mucus: Plan B may also thicken the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg, should ovulation occur.
It’s crucial to understand that Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. While it can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after, and still offer some effectiveness up to 120 hours (5 days), its efficacy decreases with each passing day.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Plan B
While generally considered safe, Plan B, like any medication, can have potential side effects. These are usually mild and temporary, lasting only for a short period. Common side effects may include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience an upset stomach or vomiting after taking Plan B. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the pill, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional about whether to take another dose.
- Dizziness and Fatigue: Feelings of dizziness or tiredness are possible side effects.
- Headache: Headaches are another commonly reported side effect.
- Breast Tenderness: Breasts may feel tender or sensitive.
- Changes in Menstrual Bleeding: Plan B can cause irregular bleeding or spotting between periods, or it might lead to heavier menstrual bleeding in the following cycle. It can also temporarily delay your next period by up to a week.
- Abdominal Pain or Cramps: Some women might experience pain or cramps in the stomach area.
It’s important to note that Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI protection, consistent use of barrier methods like condoms is necessary. Also, Plan B is less effective than regular forms of birth control and should not be relied upon as a primary contraceptive method. Furthermore, its effectiveness may be reduced in individuals who are overweight or obese.
How and When to Take Plan B for Best Results
For Plan B to be most effective, it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Follow these guidelines for using Plan B correctly:
- Timing is Key: Take Plan B One-Step as soon as you can after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours (3 days). It can still be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after, but its effectiveness declines over time. ella (ulipristal acetate) is effective for up to 5 days and maintains its efficacy better later in the 5-day window.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions provided with the Plan B packaging. Typically, Plan B One-Step involves taking a single pill.
- What to do if you vomit: If you vomit within 3 hours of taking Plan B, contact your healthcare provider as you may need to take another dose.
- After taking Plan B: Plan B does not provide ongoing contraception. If you have sex again after taking Plan B and are not using regular birth control, you are still at risk of pregnancy. Start or resume your regular birth control method immediately after using emergency contraception.
- Monitor your period: If your period is delayed by more than a week after taking Plan B, or if you experience unusual symptoms like heavy bleeding with pain, or ongoing spotting, it’s recommended to take a pregnancy test and consult your healthcare provider to rule out any complications, such as ectopic pregnancy.
In most cases, a follow-up with a healthcare professional is not necessary after using Plan B. However, if you have concerns or experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, seeking medical advice is crucial. Emergency contraception is a valuable option for preventing unintended pregnancy in urgent situations, but understanding what Plan B does and how to use it correctly is essential for its effectiveness. For routine contraception, discuss long-term birth control options with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable method for your needs.
