Is Plan B Healthy?
Plan B or other emergency contraceptives do not present significant health risks; however, they only prevent pregnancy – not end it.
The morning-after pill (levonorgestrel) works by delaying ovulation and changing uterine lining lining to make it harder for sperm and egg to meet, thus making pregnancy unlikely. As its effects can change period timing and alter menstruation patterns, other forms of birth control should also be used alongside it.
What is Plan B?
Plan B is a backup method of birth control intended to prevent pregnancy in cases when one engages in unprotected sexual activity or their primary method fails. It works by stopping ovaries from producing eggs; without these eggs being released, sperm are unable to fertilize them and conception occurs as nature intended. Plan B also thickens cervical fluid and slows movement of cilia — tiny hairs in fallopian tubes which facilitate reproduction – meaning everything moves in an orderly manner and this medication won’t work if taken after 72 hours of unprotected sexual encounter; similarly it won’t protect against STIs nor end a pregnancies already present.
Women can purchase Plan B from pharmacies or online. It can also be found at Planned Parenthood clinics and other health care facilities that offer sexual health services, while some insurance plans cover this option.
This medication contains a higher dosage of the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel than conventional birth control pills, mimicking progesterone to delay egg release from ovary and stop ovulation.
Women should avoid Plan B if they are already pregnant or are allergic to any of its non-medicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, potato starch, magnesium stearate, talc or corn starch. According to FDA recommendations, alternative birth control methods should be utilized if their first missed period occurs after taking Plan B.
Plan B is designed to delay ovulation for several days, which could delay her next menstrual cycle and start later than planned. While not dangerous, this delay may prove inconvenienced for certain women.
One common side effect of Plan B is an abnormally heavy menstrual flow and breast pain or discomfort for some women, though these side effects typically resolve themselves within hours or so. To ensure everything went as planned and your pregnancy test worked effectively. If any women suspect they might be pregnant after taking Plan B they should contact a healthcare professional immediately.
How does Plan B work?
Plan B contains levonorgestrel as its active ingredient, which has been shown to prevent ovulation by blocking an enzyme responsible for stimulating it. Furthermore, this medication also thickens cervical lining to make it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
When taken within 24 hours of unprotected sexual encounter, this medication will be 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. Therefore, it’s wise to create a Plan B strategy in advance and purchase it in case an unexpected pregnancy arises.
People can purchase Plan B online and have it sent directly to their home address, or obtain it from any local drugstore, doctor’s office, or Planned Parenthood clinic. Some insurance plans cover Plan B; it is wise to inquire before purchasing.
Emergency contraceptive injections have potential side effects that may include itching all over the body and cramping in the lower abdomen, among others. Women who have had heart issues should steer clear, and any adverse reactions due to any ingredients in the medicine could cause severe reactions. It is vital that women keep track of all nonprescription and prescription medicines they are taking (including herbal supplements) and share this data with both healthcare providers and pharmacists.
Studies suggest that Plan B’s effectiveness decreases with an individual’s body mass index (BMI). More research needs to be conducted, however. No matter their weight, this medication remains an effective means for preventing pregnancy when taken as prescribed.
Plan B is not designed to terminate pregnancy or protect against sexually transmitted diseases; however, it could potentially become pregnant if a fertilized egg implants in the uterus before taking the pill. A pregnancy test would verify whether or not Plan B worked to stop gestation and abortion should only be considered as an option as a last resort; during early weeks of gestation it’s also essential that women visit a physician for testing and counseling purposes.
What are the side effects of Plan B?
Plan B (ulipristal acetate), commonly referred to as morning-after pill, reduces chances of pregnancy by 85% when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is available over-the-counter at drugstores as well as health departments or Planned Parenthood centers and coupon discounts may apply; some individuals may even qualify for rebate schemes!
Plan B may cause side effects that are mild and temporary, such as pelvic pain, spotting or irregular bleeding before their next period, but these should not be taken seriously. Women taking the pill may also notice changes to their menstrual cycle such as lighter or longer cycles than usual.
Emergency contraception works by administering an elevated dose of hormones into your body. Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of progesterone that prevents ovulation and pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching an egg. Some evidence indicates that Plan B could potentially terminate an embryo if taken early enough – though this remains unverifiable.
Plan B should only remain in your body for a short period of time, and its most frequently reported side effect is lower abdominal or vaginal discomfort. Nausea and vomiting are also possible side effects but usually don’t last very long. Drinking lots of water and avoiding foods high in spicy spices or fat content may help with nausea and stomach pain symptoms; those experiencing these side effects should seek medical advice regarding them.
Plan B contains high concentrations of hormones that may cause changes in menstrual cycles or bleeding patterns for some users, indicating it’s working effectively as birth control; however, regular usage should not be recommended due to possible dates shifting related to fertility issues or changes. It should not be used as regular birth control method either and could change when your next period arrives so if it comes more than seven days late, seek medical advice immediately so as to determine whether further dosage or an alternate form should be repeated or pursued as birth control option.
Is Plan B safe to take?
Plan B (commonly referred to as the morning-after pill) can reduce pregnancy rates by 75-89% when taken within 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sexual activity or birth control failure. It works by temporarily delaying ovulation and making it harder for eggs and sperm to meet one another, thickening cervical lining, and decreasing travel of sperm towards fertilized eggs.
Plan B poses no significant health risks, though doctors do not generally advise it as a form of regular birth control. Condoms or the pill are usually cheaper and more convenient. Plan B may cause irregular menstrual periods or spotting between periods, which may pose issues for some individuals.
If you have had allergic reactions to levonorgestrel or any of its ingredients in the past, consult your physician prior to using this medication. In particular, it should not be taken by people with a body mass index of 30 or higher and may not work effectively during pregnancy or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
However, contrary to what some pro-choice groups may claim, Plan B does not cause abortions. While it can prevent pregnancy from starting by stopping gonadotropin-releasing hormone’s production and release; it won’t stop once ovulation has started or pregnancy that already started; nor can it stop any that has begun as its effects won’t reach either uterus nor embryo.
One of the more frequent side effects of Plan B medication is headache, which may range from mild to severe in severity. It’s usually not directly related to dosage, and symptoms may be alleviated through rest, drinking lots of water and taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Plan B is not designed to protect against sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or herpes; therefore it should only be used alongside other forms of birth control. Furthermore, its effectiveness may diminish if taken too late or by those with an exceptionally high body mass index (BMI).