What Is Plan B?
Plan B, also called the morning-after pill, is a form of emergency contraception that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. Plan B is meant for occasional use in urgent situations, such as a missed birth control pill, a condom break or unprotected intercourse. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel that’s also found in many regular birth control pills. However, the dose of levonorgestrel in Plan B is much higher, which effectively prevents pregnancy.
Plan B has been a reliable choice for emergency contraception since 1999, when it was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 2013, it became available over the counter for all ages, which makes it even more accessible, and you can get it quickly without seeing a doctor.
Every woman’s reproductive health needs are different. That’s why Dr. Felix Cohen, founder and director of Cohen Medical Practice (CMP) in New York offers the latest birth control methods, including:
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B is one of the most recognized choices and is easy to use, when you follow directions closely. You should take it as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, although it’s more effective when you take it as soon as possible. If you wait or if you weigh more than 165 pounds, its effectiveness decreases.
The main mechanism of the morning-after pill is to stop ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary.
There are different types of morning-after pills, such as:
- Ulipristal Ella®. You can use ulipristal up to five days after unprotected sex, giving you a longer window than some other emergency contraception methods. You may need a prescription from your healthcare provider to get it.
- Combined birth control pills. This medication contains progestin and estrogen. This method usually requires you to take two doses. You must talk to your pharmacist to ensure you take the right dosage at the right intervals.
- Yuzpe regimen. With this method, you combine pills from your regular birth control pack to reach a total of 100 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.5mg of levonorgestrel. You’ll then take a second dose 12 hours later.
Plan B is designed for one-time use, which means that it doesn’t require a long-term commitment like other birth control methods. It also doesn’t affect future fertility or have any long-term impacts on your reproductive health.
Are There Any Side Effects of the Morning-After Pill?
You may feel mild nausea, which sometimes leads to vomiting. Feeling tired or fatigued is another common reaction after you take the morning-after pill. This usually goes away within a few days. You may also experience headaches, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Some other side effects you may notice include:
- Tenderness in your breasts
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
- Dizziness
You may have hormonal fluctuations or gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea, but these are less common. Although side effects are generally mild, you must be aware of any unusual symptoms and call your CMP gynecologist if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Signs of an allergic reaction
Does Plan B Protect Me Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
Plan B doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You can contract these infections from vaginal, anal or oral sex, and sometimes even through skin-to-skin contact.
Common STDs, for which you can get treatment at CMP, include:
You must use condoms, which reduce your risk getting an STD as well as reducing the odds of needing Plan B. Whether it’s a male condom, a female condom or a dental dam for oral sex, condoms should always be part of your safer sex plan.
Is Plan B Safe for Me?
Plan B is generally safe for most people, though there are specific medical conditions and circumstances that may make it unsuitable for you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) state that emergency contraceptive pills are appropriate for most individuals, including:
- Those who may have missed a birth control pill
- Individuals who experienced contraceptive failure
- Victims of sexual assault
If you’re already pregnant or if you have severe allergies from any inactive ingredients, you should avoid taking it. Before taking Plan B, it’s best to speak with your CMP doctor. They can help determine whether Plan B is the best option for you and discuss alternatives if necessary.
Whether you’re seeking information about Plan B, gynecological surgery or any other women’s health concerns, Cohen Medical Practice doctors provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment options. With years of experience and a focus on providing the full range of feminine healthcare needs, from PMS and birth control to fertility services and menopause care, they’ve helped thousands of women with their reproductive health needs. Contact Cohen Medical Practice in New York today for a consultation.