Is Plan B Unhealthy?
Plan B (levonorgestrel) is a medication used to prevent pregnancy. This sex hormone works by blocking the release of an egg, and works best when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception with this form is generally safe and reliable; however, it may have side effects like bleeding, nausea or abdominal pain.
Bleeding
Bleeding is a common experience for many women, particularly during pregnancy and after an abortion. This can be caused by several factors, including hormonal changes and the implantation of the fertilized egg.
Implantation of a fertilized egg occurs when hormones in the body cause sperm to attach to an egg in the ovary, leading to fertilization. After implanting into the lining of the uterus, this often leads to spotting or bleeding.
If you experience spotting or bleeding, contact your provider right away. They may want to perform a blood test or ultrasound for further assessment.
Plan B is an emergency contraception that works if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It does not protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it may reduce your chance of becoming pregnant.
People thinking about taking Plan B should consult a doctor to learn more about the drug and its potential side effects. Doing so will enable them to make an informed decision for their health.
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in the pill, works by inhibiting ovulation and altering hormone production during your menstrual cycle. Additionally, it thins cervical fluid and blocks cilia from moving in your fallopian tubes, preventing reproductive gametes from entering your uterus.
Plan B may cause the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, to thin. This could increase the likelihood of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
It is essential that those taking Plan B consult a health care professional prior to using the pill, in case there are other medical issues or they might be pregnant. A pregnancy test also helps determine if the pill has worked and you are not pregnant.
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects associated with emergency contraceptive pills, occurring to about 10% of people who take them. This is caused by estrogen irritating the stomach lining, leading to feelings of queasy nausea.
It should not be a severe sensation and should go away within a few days. However, if the nausea persists, consult your doctor about how best to manage your symptoms.
Emergency contraceptives typically contain a large dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that mimics progesterone and prevents ovulation (the first stage of reproduction). This may lead to side effects like fatigue, nausea, and pelvic pain.
Women who experience side effects should remember that these typically resolve within a few days. However, if the effects worsen or become more intense after that period has elapsed, you should consult your doctor about whether or not to continue taking the pill.
It is also essential to be aware that many women taking Plan b experience changes in their menstrual cycle, such as irregular bleeding or heavier periods. If these symptoms last more than a week or persist for over three weeks, you should consider getting a pregnancy test.
Unfortunately, this medication is an OTC (over the counter), so insurance companies typically do not cover its costs. You may be able to use your health savings account or other medical savings for purchase of this drug.
Plan B can cause the side effects listed above as well as ovulation delay and other reproductive abnormalities by thickening cervical fluid and impairing ciliary movement in fallopian tubes, potentially preventing sperm from reaching an egg.
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can be caused by many things. It could be anything from an infection in the stomach to a life-threatening condition.
Your abdomen is home to numerous organs and structures such as the stomach, intestines, liver and bladder. This makes it challenging for doctors to pinpoint exactly what is causing your discomfort.
Most abdominal pain is mild and typically goes away on its own after a few days. However, it could also be indicative of something more serious, so you should see your doctor if the discomfort persists for an extended period or is coupled with bleeding or other symptoms.
A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how the pain is making you feel. How long you have had the issue, as well as its location, can help them determine its source.
Your doctor may need to conduct a physical examination of your abdomen and heart, as well as checking the testicles or penis if you are male. This will enable them to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and decide on the most suitable treatment plan.
Some abdominal pain can be generalized, affecting more than half the belly. Other types of discomfort, such as parietal (parietal peritoneal) pain or referred pain, tend to be localized and usually stem from issues in one part of the abdominal region.
Some abdominal pain, such as a stomach virus, is easily diagnosed and treated. Other types of discomfort, like colicky discomfort that comes and goes, may require further diagnostic testing to pinpoint the source. Depending on what’s causing your discomfort, doctors can offer over-the-counter or prescription medications, drug injections or surgery to relieve your symptoms.
Breast pain
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is an unpleasant but common condition that can affect men, women, and transgender individuals alike. It may be mild or severe in intensity and occur on either a cyclic or noncyclic basis.
Cyclical breast pain occurs when your hormone levels fluctuate due to your menstrual cycle, making your breasts swollen and tender. Treatment for this condition may involve taking hormone replacement therapy, cutting back on caffeine intake, chocolate consumption and fat intake in your diet, or using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), Advil or Motrin to alleviate symptoms.
Many women experience breast soreness three to five days before they ovulate, which subsides once the period starts. This is typically caused by an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels within your tissue just prior to menstruating.
If you’re experiencing breast pain that doesn’t seem related to your menstrual cycle, it could be something more serious. Be sure to keep track of when and how often this occurs so that you can discuss this information with your doctor.
Other causes of breast pain may include fibrocystic changes, shingles and pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding, speak to your doctor about managing the pain so it doesn’t interfere with milk production.
It is essential to be aware that sudden, intense pain in your chest area, along with tingling or numbness in your extremities could be signs of a heart attack. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency services for immediate assistance.
Treatment for breast pain may involve medication, such as dantazol or bromocriptine. But it’s best to discuss these options with your doctor prior to beginning any medication intake. Furthermore, be sure to inform yourself of any potential side effects from taking these drugs.
Ovulation delay
If you’re trying to conceive, ovulation is an essential aspect of reproductive health. Ovulation occurs when your body releases an egg which may then be fertilized by sperm. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation usually takes place 14 days prior to the beginning of your next period.
Some women experience delayed or late ovulation, which may occur if you have irregular periods or take medications that affect ovulation.
Delayed ovulation may occur if you have thyroid issues or reproductive dysfunctions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). These conditions can cause your periods to be irregular and reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to treat your ovulation delay and increase the odds of pregnancy. These include avoiding extreme exercises, managing stress levels and taking hormonal birth control to prevent ovulation from occurring before it does.
When you ovulate, pay attention to your vaginal discharge for signs that your egg is ready to come out. It should be light in color, clear and sticky.
Another way ovulation can affect your chances of pregnancy is by affecting the quality of the egg you release. A short luteal phase, or time between ovulation and subsequent release of an optimal-quality egg, can significantly decrease these odds and lower your likelihood of becoming pregnant.
If you’re experiencing an ovulation delay, it is essential to speak to a healthcare professional about your concerns. They can assess whether you are at risk for pregnancy or not and offer treatment options to make ovulation more regular.