Plan B One-Step is a popular emergency contraceptive. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progestin. It works in two ways: first, it prevents the release of an egg from the ovary; second, it forestalls the fertilization of the egg by sperm. Generally considered safe, this hormone is used in many birth control pills. Coming to whether taking Plan B while on birth control is safe, the answer, in short, is yes. But there are a few more factors you should know. Let us get started.
Who can take Plan B?
Any woman or girl of reproductive age may take a morning-after pill (remember that you can take it any time after unprotected sex) to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. However, those below 18 need a prescription to buy it.
When to take Plan B?
The time window for taking Plan B is at the earliest and within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Read the instructions to know how to take it.
How do I know that I should take a Plan B?
Emergency contraception pills like Plan B can be taken in several situations following sexual intercourse. These include the following.
• You missed using birth control.
• The condom tore or came off.
• You missed taking your regular birth control pills in a row.
• You did not insert your ring or apply your patch.
• The diaphragm tore, broke, or slipped out of place.
• The pull-out method failed.
• You were coerced into unprotected sex.
• You think spermicide tablet or film did not melt before intercourse
• You have miscalculated the abstinence period or failed to abstain, or if your partner or you forgot to use physical contraceptives on the fertile days of the cycle.
• Your hormonal contraceptive implant or intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) fell out partially or completely.
What is the effect of Plan B on the birth control pill?
Women on regular birth control pills are generally not known to face any complications when they take Plan B. If you are taking Plan B because you have missed more than two doses of your regular oral contraception pill, you must resume taking the latter at the earliest as per the schedule prescribed by your gynecologist. Even if you have resumed taking your birth control pills after taking Plan B, use birth control methods, such as condoms, without fail for the next seven days.
Are there any precautions to be followed before taking Plan B?
Keep the following in mind before taking levonorgestrel.
Check all the ingredients of the pill so that you can tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any. If you take any other medications or have a medical condition, share them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Share information about non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements, multivitamins you are taking or plan to take.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about herbal products that you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
Do not take levonorgestrel if you think or know that you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel does not end a pregnancy after its onset.
Levonorgestrel may not be fully effective or may cause side effects if it is consumed while you are taking any of the following medications:
• barbiturates such as secobarbital or phenobarbital;
• certain medications used to treat HIV
• bosentan (Tracleer)
• certain medications for seizures
• griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)
So, be sure to inform your doctor accordingly.
Consult your doctor if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked yet.
Are there any side effects of Plan B?
Complications as a result of taking emergency contraception pills are exceptions. However, it is wise to consult your doctor about possible interactions with other medicines. Sometimes, levonorgestrel may cause the following side effects:
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation or diarrhea
• abdominal pain with or without bloating
• headache
• fatigue
• dizziness
• menstrual changes
• breast tenderness
If you throw up within two hours after taking the pill, ask your healthcare professional to know if you need to repeat the dose.
Do not panic if your menstruation starts a week or ten days earlier or later after taking Plan B. It is normal after taking take levonorgestrel. However, if your next menstrual cycle gets delayed for longer than seven to ten days after the expected date, it is time to consult your doctor. They are most likely to tell you to take a pregnancy test.
Spotting is another common side effect of levonorgestrel. It should go away by the time your next period arrives. You may also experience periods lighter or heavier than usual. However, if the flow is too scant or heavy, along with stabbing and consistent cramps, you should call your doctor.
If you experience bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than a week, or intense lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking the emergency pill, contact your health care professional immediately. These are signs of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg gets implanted outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube).
How long does Plan B take to clear out of my system?
Plan B and similar emergency contraception pills are effective for about five days. After this, the hormones get flushed out of your system.
What else should I remember?
Remember that emergency contraception pills are not for regular usage. Rely on one of the many birth control methods to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. These include pills, vaginal implants, birth control shots, vaginal rings, birth control patches, cervical cap, spermicide gel, and outercourse and abstinence. Consult your doctor to find out the safest, most effective, and easy-to-follow method that will suit you.
Further, refrain from sex until you start another birth control method. The morning-after pill is for emergencies and does not prevent pregnancy for long. You are at risk of pregnancy if you have unprotected sex in the days and weeks after taking the pill.
Did you find this article helpful?
Please share your queries and comments below for more information on using emergency contraceptive pills.