What is it?
The “morning after pill”, also known as Plan B®, is a large dose of oral contraceptive. It is single tablet taken within 72 hours of intercourse. It is NOT the same as the “abortion pill”.
How does it work?
Plan B is meant to act as an emergency contraceptive principally 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.
- The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.
- 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.