Black Health App
Plan B Pill is an emergency contraceptive pill that is taken after unprotected sexual intercourse or when a regular form of contraception has failed. It contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that works by preventing ovulation or fertilization of an egg. The pill is most effective when taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, but can still be taken up to five days after.
Contrary to popular belief, Plan B Pill is not an abortion pill and cannot be used to terminate an existing pregnancy. It is intended to prevent pregnancy from occurring in the first place. The pill is available over-the-counter without a prescription for individuals aged 17 and older in the United States, and can be obtained through a healthcare provider for those under 17.
How does the Plan B Pill work?
Plan B Pill prevents pregnancy. It is the perfect solution if you’ve had an unprotected sex with someone else and you don’t want to get pregnant. All you need to do is drink the pill within 72 hours from your last sexual intercourse.
It is designed to prevent pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. The pill contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that is commonly found in birth control pills, and works by inhibiting the production of luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, the pill can also thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
When should you take the Plan B Pill?
You can take it right after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure or within 72 hours after your last sexual intercourse. The earlier it is taken, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy.
However, this pill may not be as effective for women who are overweight or obese. If you are obese, you may need to consider alternative options for emergency contraception. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action in case of emergency contraception.
How effective is the Plan B Pill?
The Plan B pill has been proven to be effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies if taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. According to studies, the pill is 95% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. While professionals say you can still take it 120 hours thereafter, the effectiveness decreases the longer one waits to take the pill after unprotected sex.
It is also important to remember that the Plan B pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is solely meant to be used as a backup method of contraception and should not be relied on as a primary form of birth control. In addition, the pill may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and irregular bleeding. Note that Plan B pill can be an effective option for preventing unwanted pregnancies, but it should not be used as a regular form of birth control.
Plan B Pill Side Effects
While Plan B has 90% proven effectiveness, it also comes with side effects such as the following:
- pill include nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- fatigue
- headache
These side effects usually last for a few days and are not considered serious. However, some women may experience more severe side effects, such as abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, and allergic reactions. Call your doctor right away if you experience these effects. It is also important to note that the Plan B pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is important to use a condom during intercourse to prevent the spread of STIs.
How to get the Plan B Pill?
It is available over the counter at most pharmacies and drugstores without a prescription for individuals 17 and older. If you are under 17 and need the pill, you must visit a healthcare provider for a prescription. You must also educate yourself about emergency contraception and have a plan in place in case of contraceptive failure or unprotected sex.
So, to get Plan B Pill, simply visit your local pharmacy or drugstore and ask for it at the counter. It is important to act quickly as the efficacy of the pill decreases with time. Some pharmacies may have generic versions of the Plan B pill, which may be less expensive.
Plan B Pill vs. other emergency contraceptives
The Plan B pill is just one of several emergency contraceptives available today. Other options include Ella, a prescription-only pill that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, and the copper intrauterine device (IUD), which can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex or up to five days after the expected date of ovulation. While all of these options are effective at preventing pregnancy, they work in slightly different ways and have different advantages and disadvantages.
For example, the Plan B pill contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that works by preventing ovulation. Ella, on the other hand, contains ulipristal acetate, which works by blocking the effects of progesterone and delaying ovulation. Ultimately, the best emergency contraceptive for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, medical history, and timing of unprotected sex. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options and make an informed decision.
It is crucial for individuals to have knowledge about emergency contraception and have access to it. Unplanned pregnancies can have significant impacts on individuals and society as a whole. Emergency contraception can help prevent unintended pregnancies and provide individuals with the ability to take control of their reproductive health.
It is important for healthcare providers to educate their patients on emergency contraception and ensure that it is readily available to those who need it. In addition, policymakers must also work towards increasing access to emergency contraception, particularly for marginalized communities who may face barriers to obtaining it. Knowing about and having access to emergency contraception can have a significant impact on individuals’ lives and the broader society.
