Morning After Pill

What is it?

The “morning-after pill”, also known as Plan B®, is a large dose of oral contraceptives. It is a single tablet taken within 72 hours of intercourse. Also, it is NOT the same as the “abortion pill”.

How does the morning-after pill work?

The morning-after pill or Plan B is meant to act as an emergency contraceptive. As a result, by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.

• Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
• Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes.
• Plan B is not a routine contraceptive. The manufacturer of Plan B warns against doing this.
• Plan B will not end an ectopic pregnancy. If you have severe abdominal pain 3-5 weeks after using Plan B, seek immediate medical care.

If you were pregnant prior to taking Plan B or you took it too late after intercourse, you may be pregnant. Real Options can provide a free pregnancy test and options assessment.