Emergency Contraceptive -- Plan B

What is Plan B?

Plan B is a new form of emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex (such as sex without contraception, or when a contraceptive fails). Because emergency contraception prevents pregnancy before it begins, it is not the same as abortion.

Unlike emergency contraceptive pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, Plan B contains only progestin (Levonorgesterol). As a result, Plan B is less likely to cause side effects. Plan B is at least as effective as other emergency contraceptive pills.

Some women will experience side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, vomiting, and menstrual changes (heavier or lighter bleeding).

When would I use Plan B?

Plan B is indicated for the prevention of known or suspected contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse.

Plan B does not protect against STD's and should not be used in place of regular contraception.

How does Plan B work?

Plan B may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman's ovary, or it may prevent fertilization. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Plan B will not work if you are already pregnant.

Is Plan B safe?

Yes. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Plan B as a safe way to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. After reviewing studies of women from 15 countries, the FDA found that Plan B is safe.

Some women experience temporary side effects after taking Plan B. Approximately 23.1 percent of women taking Plan B experience nausea (compared to 50.5 percent with the older Yuzpe regimen of high-dose estrogen-progestin pills), and 5.6 percent vomit (compared to 18.8 percent). Other side effects may include lower abdominal pain (17.6 percent), fatigue (16.9 percent), headache (16.8 percent), dizziness (11.2 percent), breast tenderness (10.7 percent), and menstrual changes, including heavier bleeding (13.8 percent) and lighter bleeding (12.5 percent).

Is Plan B Effective?

Yes. Plan B reduces the average risk of pregnancy among users from about 8 percent to about 1 percent. After a single act of unprotected sex, correct use of Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent.

If Plan B doesn't work and I become pregnant, could it hurt the fetus?

No. There is no medical evidence that Plan B would harm a developing fetus. Plan B will not work once a pregnancy has started, so women who already are pregnant should not use it.

How do I Take Plan B?

• Swallow the first dose as soon as possible. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are more effective the sooner after unprotected sex they are started.
• Take the second dose 12 hours later. Do not take any extra ECPs. If you have nausea, it is usually mild and should stop in a day or so. If you vomit within one hour after taking a dose, call your clinician.
• Your next period may start a few days earlier or later than usual. If your period doesn't start within three weeks, see your clinician for an exam and pregnancy test. If you think that you may be pregnant, see your clinician at once, whether or not you plan to continue the pregnancy. ECPs may not prevent an ectopic pregnancy (in the tubes or abdomen). Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.

If you are in need of Emergency Contraception, call Olin Health Center:

Olin Health Center Main Telephone 4-Olin (884-6546)

Olin Health Center Appointment Line 353-4660

Phone Information Nurse 353-5557