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What is Plan B?

Pregnancy can be prevented after intercourse by taking Plan B emergency contraceptive pills. It works by giving the body a short, high, burst of synthetic hormones. This disrupts the hormone patterns needed for pregnancy. Plan B disturbs the ovaries and the development of the uterine lining, making pregnancy less likely to occur. It is most effective within the first 24 hours after intercourse. Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89% but does not protect against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases.

How do I take Plan B?

Plan B has two progesterone pills. The first dose should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, preferably with a meal. The second dose is usually taken 12 hours later.

If you vomit within a half hour of taking Plan B, call your healthcare specialist. Vomiting can decrease the effectiveness. To decrease nausea and vomiting take an anti-vomiting medication 30 minutes before taking the first dose.

Who should not use Plan B emergency contraception?

Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions may not be able to use Plan B:

• Established pregnancy
• Past heart attack or stroke
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Breast or genital cancers
• Liver cancer

Plan B may not be recommended for women who are breastfeeding or have given birth in the last 6 weeks, have epilepsy, cardiovascular or kidney disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, or hypertension. Call your clinic to ask if emergency contraception is safe for you.

Plan B will not harm an established pregnancy. It acts on the uterus and cannot prevent an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

What are the side effects?

While side effects are rare for Plan B you may experience the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Dizziness
• Fluid retention
• Irregular bleeding

Women who experience any of the following symptoms while taking Plan B should call their doctor immediately:

• Abdominal pains (severe)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Headaches (severe)
• Eye problems, such as blurred vision
• Severe leg or arm pain or numbness

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Plan B?

Advantages

• Can be used after intercourse.
• Can get pills ahead of time so you have them when you need them.
• Easy to use.
• Does not affect future fertility.

Disadvantages

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
• Most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected vaginal intercourse.
• Side effects.
• Might not be readily available.
• Not for routine use.

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posted by BirthControlBuzz @ 3:08 PM