Morning After Pill – Emergency Contraception
The Morning-After Pill, also called "emergency contraception," is an oral hormonal birth control that is used after unprotected intercourse or suspected contraceptive failure. It's often referred to by the brand name Plan B One-Step. It is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive.
Plan B One-Step is a single-dose tablet. There is also a two-dose generic form available.
The drug is intended to be taken as soon as possible within the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. One study conducted by the manufacturer of Plan B One-Step reported that 84% of expected pregnancies were prevented.
How does it work?
The pill could affect you in one of the following ways, depending on where you are in your cycle:
- It may prevent ovulation: without an egg being released, conception cannot occur.
- It may affect the lining of your fallopian tubes so the sperm cannot reach the egg, preventing conception.
- It may irritate the lining of your uterus. If an egg has already been released and fertilized by the sperm, this irritation could make it harder for the embryo to implant in your uterus. If the embryo does not implant, an abortion will occur.
How do I know if an egg has already been released and fertilized?
There's no way to know.
What are the side effects?
- Heavier menstrual bleeding
- Nausea
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Delayed and irregular menstrual period
- Breast tenderness
If you become pregnant or experience lower abdominal pain after taking Plan B One-Step, you should be evaluated for an ectopic pregnancy, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
The Morning-After Pill does not protect you from STI's or STD's.
What Are My Options?
Parenting
The option of parenting may seem impossible to you right now, and you may have more questions than answers. We can help guide you through any concerns, including:
I can't afford a child.
I can't tell my family.
My husband/boyfriend doesn't want the baby.
How would I finish school?
How would I be able to continue working?
How would I pay the medical bills?
I'm too young.
Where would I live?
We can talk through your concerns with you so you can decide if parenting is right for you.
Abortion
If you are considering abortion, you need to know:
Am I really pregnant? A medical quality pregnancy test followed by an ultrasound is the best way to confirm your pregnancy.
How far along am I in my pregnancy? If you're considering abortion, it's important to remember that abortion is a medical procedure. What type of abortion will you have? What are the short-term and long-term risks? What are your rights with an abortion provider?
Is my pregnancy normal? You need to know if you are at risk for miscarriage or have a tubal pregnancy requiring immediate medical attention.
We can help you understand your options and help you find answers to these and other questions.
Adoption
If you are not ready to be a parent, adoption can be a great option. You have many choices with adoption, and you may also have many questions. We can help you answer questions like:
How can adoption be good for me and my baby?
Can I choose a family for my baby?
How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and after adoption?
How can I be sure my child will be well cared for?