Emergency contraception is a medication called "Plan B." It is used to help keep a woman from getting pregnant if she has had unprotected intercourse.
You should consider using emergency contraception if:
You did not use birth control
You were forced to have sex
The condom broke, tore, or fell off during sex
You have missed two or more birth control pills in a row and have had unprotected sex
Plan B should not be confused with the abortion pill known as RU-486.
Emergency contraception should not be used as a regular form of birth control. It is designed to be used as an emergency back-up plan. Other birth control methods are much more effective at preventing pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you need a reliable form of birth control.
How does Plan B work?
Emergency contraception can keep you from becoming pregnant by any of the following ways:
It can keep the egg from leaving the ovary
It can help prevent the sperm from getting to the egg
It can limit the ability of the egg to attache to the uterine lining
You should take Plan B as soon as you can after having unprotected sex, but they can be used up to 72 hours following intercourse.
How do I get Plan B?
Plan B was recently approved to be sold over-the-counter at pharmacies to women who are 18 years of age or older. Women will have to show proof of age to buy Plan B.
Women under age 18 will need a prescription from their doctor or nurse.
You can always contact your health care provider for a prescription, instructions, or counseling on the use of Plan B regardless of your age.
Can I get Plan B pills before I need them?
Yes. Talk with your doctor at your annual women's health visit about Plan B. Many times, a prescription can be written for you so you can have the medication on hand if needed.
Do emergency contraceptive pills protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Always use condoms to decrease your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
What can I expect after taking Plan B emergency contraceptive pills?
Many women feel sick or nauseated after taking these pills. If you throw up after taking emergency contraceptives, contact your doctor for further instructions.
After you have taken emergency contraceptives, your next period may come sooner or later than normal. It may be heavier, lighter, or just spotting.
If you do not have a period within 3 weeks, or if you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test and contact your doctor's office.
Does emergency contraception work all the time?
Emergency contraception is about 89% effective.
I took Plan B emergency contraceptive pills and they did not work. I am now pregnant. Will there be something wrong with my baby?
Studies have been done with women who did not know they were pregnant and kept taking their birth control pills. These studies have found no increased risk for birth defects.
Is Plan B the same thing as the "abortion pill?"
Emergency contraception is designed to help keep a pregnancy from happening by keeping the egg from leaving the ovary, keeping the sperm from meeting the egg, or keeping the egg from attaching to the uterus. It has no effect if a woman is already pregnant.
The "abortion pill" (RU-486) works after a woman is already pregnant and makes the uterus force out the fertilized egg, thus ending the pregnancy.
