The Morning After Pill
ALL SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTERS OFFER THE
MORNING AFTER PILL, ALSO REFERRED TO AS PLAN B (LEVONORGESTREL).
What is Plan B?
Plan B is a new form of emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected
sex (such as sex without contraception, or when contraception fails).
Because emergency contraception prevents pregnancy before it begins,
it is not the same as abortion.
Why is Plan B better?
Unlike older emergency contraceptive pills
that contain both estrogen and progestin, Plan B contains only progestin.
As a result, Plan B causes fewer side effects - especially nausea. Plan
B is at least as effective as other emergency contraceptive pills.
Some women will experience side effects such as nausea,
abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness and menstrual
changes (heavier or lighter bleeding).
When would I use Plan B?
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) may be a good choice if you had unprotected
sex one or more times within the last 72 hours (3 days), and you don't
want to become pregnant. You should not use Plan B if you are already
pregnant, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, or are allergic to an ingredient
in the pills.
Plan B is not as effective as other contraceptive
methods, and therefore is not recommended for regular use. It should
be used only in emergencies, such as when:
How does Plan B work?
Plan B may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release
of an egg from a woman's ovary, or it may prevent fertilization. It may
also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Plan B will
not work if you are already pregnant.
Is Plan B safe?
Yes. the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved Plan B (levonorgestrel) as a safe way to reduce the
chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. After reviewing studies of
women from 15 countries, the FDA found that Plan B is safe.
Is Plan B effective?
Yes. Plan B reduces the average risk
of pregnancy among users from about 8 percent to about 1 percent. After
a single act of unprotected sex, correct use of Plan B reduces the risk
of pregnancy by 89 percent.
If Plan B doesn't work and I become pregnant, could
it hurt the fetus?
No. There is no medical evidence that Plan
B would harm a developing fetus. Plan B will not work once pregnancy has
started, so women who are already pregnant should not use it.
How often can I take Plan B?
You can take Plan B tablets as many times
as needed, but you should be aware that:
- Plan B is not a substitute for regular contraception.
It will not work as well as regular contraceptives such as the birth
control pill. If you need help choosing a more effective contraceptive,
contact us soon.
- Plan B does not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other
sexually transmitted diseases. Only condoms provide protection against
these diseases. If you are worried that you may have been infected with
a STD, talk to us right away.
|
