Emergency Contraception
What Is “Plan B†or “The Morning After Pill�
Emergency contraceptives, commonly known as “Plan B†or “The Morning After Pill,†consist of ulipristal acetate, levonorgestrel, or combined oral contraceptives (COCs) comprised of ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel. Emergency contraception is about a 50x dose of the progesterone-only oral birth control pill designed for daily use. The WHO (World Health Organization) also considers copper-bearing IUDs (intrauterine devices) as an additional form of emergency contraception that can be used by women.1
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraceptives have three main effects:
- Preventing ovulation, if it has not yet occurred
- Thickening cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus
- Altering the endometrial lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg2
Plan B labeling informs that the pill should be taken within 72 hours of intercourse, while the FDA indicates it is effective until implantation. Implantation can only occur once an egg has been fertilized, which means Plan B will cause the death of a fertilized egg if present. There is no test to confirm whether fertilization has occurred within the window of time indicated to take an emergency contraceptive.
Can I Take Emergency Contraception Before Unprotected Sex?
Emergency contraception is intended for use only after instances of unprotected sex. It does not protect against pregnancy for intercourse subsequent to taking it, and for this reason should not be used in place of regular birth control.
Emergency Contraception Side Effects
Although Plan B and other common emergency contraceptives are approved by the FDA, they do carry side effects and health concerns.
Possible side effects include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Delay of menses by more than one week
If you are concerned you may be pregnant and would like more information on all the options available to you, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced and caring nurses so you can make the decision that is best for you.
1 World Health Organization. “Emergency contraceptionâ€. Retrieved August 2023 from www.who.int.
2 Matyanga, C. M., & Dzingirai, B. (2018). Clinical pharmacology of hormonal emergency contraceptive pills. International journal of reproductive medicine, 2018.