Plan B helps prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, this means the release of
an egg from the ovary, so there’s no egg to meet the sperm. No egg, no
fertilization, no pregnancy.
What is Plan-B?
Sometimes referred to as the “morning-after pill".
It is an emergency contraception pill that it’s used shortly after having sex when
a primary birth control method failed or wasn’t used. For example, a condom
broke during sex or a birth control patch fell off without you realizing it.
How does Plan-B work?
It depends on how quickly it is taken. When Plan B emergency contraception is
taken as directed, within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth control
failure, it can significantly decrease the chance that a person with a uterus will get
pregnant. In fact, the earlier the product is taken after unprotected intercourse, the
better it works.
How effective is Plan-B?
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test to confirm there is no pregnancy if a
period has not occured within 2-4 weeks.
How do I know if Plan-B worked?
What could a person feel after taking Plan B?
1. Heavier period the next time is the most common side effect. However, if you
are soaking through a full tampon or sanitary pad every hour for more than 2 to 3
hours or you’re passing large clots, you should be checked out by a provider.
2. Nausea. Taking Plan B with food can help prevent this. If you throw up within 2
hours of taking Plan B, you should take another dose.
3. Lower stomach pain. This is generally mild and passes quickly. Until it lets up,
stay hydrated and avoid foods irritating your stomach.
4. Tiredness. Be kind to your body and take it easy if you feel fatigued. It’s
temporary and should go away.
5. Headache. You can take a pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Neither interacts with Plan B.
6. Dizziness. Less frequent. If it happens, try to sit or lie down, and take care to
change positions slowly to help prevent falling.
7. Breast tenderness. It can happen as it happens with birth control.
8. Late period next time. It might be concerning, but it happens because ovulation
is postponed, and that delays the period.
