Emergency Contraceptives / Morning After Pill
Is It Safe?
Morning After Pill or Plan B
You’ve probably heard about the morning after pill or plan b. Some call it “emergency contraception.” Now you need more information and soon, because one of your “what ifs”…pregnancy…is a real possibility.
What is the morning after pill?
- It’s a drug intended to be taken as soon as possible, within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
- It contains a high dose of progesterone (levonorgestrel), which is found in many kinds of birth control pills.
- At the dosage found in the morning-after pill, this drug may work on rare occasions to prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterus.
- It is often referred to by the brand name—Plan B.
How does it work?
- Prevents the egg from being released from the ovary.
- Prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
- Prevents the newly conceived baby from attaching itself onto the lining of the uterus.
What are the side effects?
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular and unpredictable menstrual periods
- Cramping and abdominal pain—which might also be the sign of an ectopic pregnancy
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast Tenderness
Can Anyone Take Emergency Contraception?
Women who smoke cigarettes and those who have experienced any of the following conditions are advised NOT to take emergency contraception:
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Liver disease
- Cancer of the breast or reproductive organs
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Severe migraine headaches
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
Sometimes The Abortion Pill and The Morning-After Pill Get Confused.
Do you know the difference?
The Abortion Pill
An abortion method used to terminate an early pregnancy
Medications are Mifeprex® (mifepristone) and Cytotec® (misoprostol)
Must be taken within 70 days of when your last menstrual cycle began
Pills must be prescribed by a health care professional.
Will not prevent sexually transmitted infections or diseases
The Morning-After Pill
A method used to prevent pregnancy. It may cause a very early abortion if fertilization has already occurred.
Medication is Plan B® One-Step (levonorgestrel) Must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex
Depending on one’s age, the pill may be purchased without a prescription
Will not prevent sexually transmitted infections or diseases