Unlocking the Power of Plan B: Your Guide to Emergency Contraception

Understanding Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. This includes instances such as a broken condom, missed birth control pills, or unprotected intercourse during a period when ovulation is likely. The most common forms of emergency contraception are pills that contain hormones intended to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg.

Types of Emergency Contraception

There are primarily two types of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs):

1. Levonorgestrel-based pills (e.g., Plan B One-Step) available without a prescription and can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse.
2. Ulipristal acetate (e.g., Ella), which requires a prescription and can also be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.

Both methods are effective but may vary in effectiveness based on timing and individual health factors. It is important to note that these pills do not terminate an existing pregnancy and should not be used as a primary form of contraception.

Plan B Explained: How It Works and When to Use It

Plan B One-Step works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. If taken before ovulation occurs, it can effectively reduce the chances of pregnancy by 75-89% depending on how soon after unprotected intercourse it is taken. The efficacy of Plan B decreases the longer one waits to take it after the sexual encounter.

Mechanism of Action

• Prevention of Ovulation: By delaying the release of an egg from the ovary.
• Alteration of Endometrium: It may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg by changing the lining of the uterus.

Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, but it can still be taken up to 120 hours afterward, although the effectiveness diminishes significantly after the first few days.

The Right Timing: How Soon Should You Take Plan B?

For the best results, Plan B should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The general guideline states:

• Within 72 hours: Up to 95% effective.
• 72-120 hours: Effectiveness decreases significantly; it remains effective but is less reliable.

Effectiveness Table

The effectiveness of Plan B can also be influenced by the individual’s weight. Studies suggest that Plan B may be less effective for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30.

Safety and Side Effects: What to Expect When Using Plan B

Plan B is generally regarded as safe, with a favorable safety profile. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea (up to 20% of users)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Changes in menstrual cycle (earlier or later than expected)

Most side effects are mild and resolve within a few days. In rare cases, individuals may experience heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain, which should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Safety Considerations

• Pregnancy: Plan B is ineffective if taken after pregnancy has occurred.
• Allergies: Individuals should not use Plan B if they have a known allergy to any of its components.
• Weight Considerations: Effectiveness may be reduced in individuals who are overweight or obese, making alternative options like the copper iud more effective.

Accessing Plan B: Where and How to Get Emergency Contraception

Accessing emergency contraception like Plan B is relatively straightforward. It is available over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription for individuals 17 years and older.

Availability Options

• Pharmacies: Available without a prescription; may be kept behind the pharmacy counter.
• Health Clinics: Many family planning clinics, including Planned Parenthood, provide Plan B at little or no cost.
• Online Options: Some services allow for online ordering, although shipping times may not be suitable for immediate needs.
• Student Health Centers: Many universities provide Plan B for free or at a reduced cost.

References

1. Emergency Contraception – “Morning After Pill”. (n.d.). Yale Health. Retrieved from https://yalehealth.yale.edu/topic/emergency-contraception-morning-after-pill
2. How Plan B Works & Side Effects. (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/whats-plan-b-morning-after-pill
3. Thiazole-fused androstenone and ethisterone derivatives: potent β- and γ-actin cytoskeleton inhibitors to treat melanoma tumors. (n.d.)
4. Bone matching versus tumor matching in image-guided carbon ion radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s13014-024-02564-w
5. Imaging Classification of Exophytic HCC and Our Experience with Microwave Ablation of Type 2 Lesions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11651829/

FAQ

Can I use Plan B if I’m already pregnant?
No, Plan B is not effective if you are already pregnant and it cannot terminate an existing pregnancy.

What should I do if I vomit after taking Plan B?
If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, you should consult a healthcare professional about taking another dose.

Will Plan B affect my menstrual cycle?
Yes, Plan B can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including an earlier or later onset and changes in flow.

Are there alternatives to Plan B?
Yes, ulipristal acetate (Ella) is another emergency contraceptive that can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse and may be more effective for individuals with higher BMI.

Where can I find emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception can be found at pharmacies, health clinics, and online. Many student health services also provide it for free or at a reduced cost.