It is also called “the morning-after pill.”
This is how Plan B works to prevent pregnancy.
Emergency contraceptives like Plan B One-Step prevent pregnancy afterbirth control failureor unprotected sex.
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Generic forms of Plan B includeMy Way,Take Action, andNext Choice One Dose.
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This article looks at what the research says about how Plan B works.
It also discusses some of the side effects you may experience when taking Plan B.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B works by preventing ovulation.
It contains a larger dose of levonorgestrel, the synthetic hormone found in birth control pills.
Emergency contraception is safe and effective.
Still, Plan B iscontroversial.
Much of the debate is based on a misunderstanding about how Plan B works.
Some people believe Plan B prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus.
But research does not support this theory about how Plan B works, though.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effect of Plan B is a change in your period.
Your period may come sooner or later than expected.
You may also have heavier or lighter bleeding or spotting before your period.
This can include irregular or unpredictable periods.
This has created controversy over its use.
Research, however, shows that Plan B does not work this way.
Instead, it works by preventing ovulation.
Plan B is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
you’re free to buy Plan B over-the-counter at many major retailers.
It can also be found in pharmacies.
You do not need a prescription, and you do not need to show ID to purchase Plan B.
Plan B is sold in packs of 1 or 2.
Name brand Plan B may cost between $40 and $100, depending on which pack you buy.
), which may cost as little as $8 for one pill.
If you haven’t already ovulated, Plan B will work to prevent the release of an egg.
If you take it after ovulation, it won’t work.
This is why healthcare providers recommend taking Plan B as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Food and Drug Administration.Plan B One-Step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) information.
Gemzell-Danielsson K, Berger C, Lalitkumar PGL.Emergency contraception mechanisms of action.Contraception.
2007;75:112-118. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2006.08.015
Matyanga CM, Dzingirai B.Clinical pharmacology of hormonal emergency contraceptive pills.Int J Reprod Med.
