Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is a form of emergency contraception EC that contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin.
Plan B can help prevent pregnancy if taken within hours 5 days after sex. There is currently some debate about how Plan B pills work. To add to the confusion, people disagree about when pregnancy begins.
After sexual intercourse, it can take up to a week to become pregnant. This process involves a complex series of steps, including:. The confusion around Plan B appears to be related to the possibility that it could work after fertilization. However, most research to date indicates that Plan B does not work after fertilization. Current research suggests that Plan B works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation. It may also prevent fertilization. As far as we know, Plan B is no longer effective once an egg is fertilized.
A number of researchers have challenged this idea, including the authors of a literature review. They argued that Plan B is too effective to work solely at the ovulation stage, and concluded that it probably has effects after fertilization.
Indeed, the authors of a literature review indicated that it might not be scientifically possible to prove that Plan B has no effects after an egg is fertilized.
They stressed that according to the best evidence we have, EC pills do not appear to work after fertilization. In addition, keep in mind that according to the standard medical definition, pregnancy begins with implantation.
Usually, bleeding is light and goes away on its own. In rare cases, bleeding could be caused by something more serious. You should seek medical attention if you experience:. Researchers have questioned these estimates. Studies suggest Plan B and other progestin-only pills are between 52 and percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
However, recent research suggests that it may still be somewhat effective for up to hours after sex. A medical abortion involves two drugs. The first drug is mifepristone. The second drug is misoprostol. Typically taken after mifepristone, it works by causing contractions that push the pregnancy from the uterus.
In fact, according to the medical eligibility criteria provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , the benefits of taking EC pills nearly always outweigh the risks.
Planned Parenthood also recommends that individuals ask a doctor to determine if Plan B is safe for them. This is because levonorgestrel morning-after pills may not work if a person is taking other medications, including:.
Plan B is a single-dose tablet. A person can take the tablet for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but sooner is better. Ideally, a person would take Plan B as soon as possible after having sex without using barrier contraception or having concerns that their contraception failed. Prices can vary for Plan B. However, it may be best to buy the medication at a local pharmacy due to its time-limited effectiveness. This means that most insurance companies will not cover the costs.
A person may be able to use their HSA or other medical savings to purchase the medication. Plan B One-Step is a single-dose emergency contraceptive. A person should not use it in place of regular birth control methods. The medication is most effective when taken within the first 72 hours after a person has sex without contraception or if there is a risk the contraception failed. Plan B does not protect against STIs or other conditions and will not end an already established pregnancy.
If primary methods of contraception fail, emergency contraception can help. A pill can block fertilization, but its effectiveness reduces over time…. Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy. Find out about the different means available, how they work, and how effective they are. There are many types of birth control, and safety and reliability are two key factors when choosing the best option. Learn more here. The word abortion comes from the Latin abortio, which means to abort, miscarry, deliver prematurely.
The Latin word abortus means 'miscarriage…. There are several types of abortion, including medical abortion, vacuum aspiration, dilation and evacuation, and induced labor. The type that a doctor…. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.
What is Plan B? Is it effective? Share on Pinterest. Is this morning-after pill effective? How to use Plan B. Where to get Plan B. Plan B side effects. Sexual health and contraception. Alternatives to Plan B. When to see a doctor. It is helpful to take the pill with food, and not on an empty stomach. Your period may start a few days earlier or a few days later than expected. If you feel pregnant sooner, you should do a pregnancy test at that time. Emergency contraception pills might not be a good option for you if you have a history of allergy to the medication, if you are significantly overweight, or if the unprotected sex occurred more than hours earlier.
There are no known medical conditions for which emergency contraception is unsafe. You can make an appointment via MyChart or by calling You should discuss this further with a nurse or provider.
If the sex was unprotected because it was nonconsensual for example, sexual assault or date rape , please talk to one of our caregivers to learn about the resources available to you at Yale, including The Share Center.
Directory Departments Clinicians. Health Topics Coverage Topics. Both medications are less effective for obese women. My Way retains its effectiveness up to a BMI of
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