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Plan B is a new emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). It is made up of two progestin-only pills containing levonorgestrel. Progestins are the "pregnancy" hormone. Levonorgestrel is used in regular birth control methods, such as birth control pills.

When should I consider using Plan B?

The morning after pill can be effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within the first 72 hours after having unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Contraceptive failure can be if the condom breaks, slips, or is misused, you missed your pill 2 or more days in a row, your diaphragm dislodged or was removed too early, you miscalculated your fertile period if you use the "rhythm method". Plan B can also be considered in cases of sexual assault.

How does the morning after pill work?

You will find 2 pills in the pack. One should be taken immediately (within 72 hours of unprotected sex), and the second, 12 hours later. Plan B is more effective the sooner you take it.

Plan B does 1 of 3 things:

• It temporarily stops the release of an egg from the ovary
• It prevents fertilization; or
• It prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus

What should I know about Plan B?

Plan B is not an abortion pill. It will not work if you already have a confirmed pregnancy, that is, a fertilized egg has attached to the wall of your uterus. It will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

You should not use the morning after pill if you have a confirmed pregnancy, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, or are allergic to the ingredients in the pills.

If you're taking any other medication, have known or suspected cancer of the breast, have active liver disease or tumour, have diabetes, you are currently ill, or you have a long-term medical condition, be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor or health clinic before taking plan B, and ask them what to do next.

Do not think of Plan B as your regular method of birth control. It does not provide long-term protection against future pregnancy it only works to prevent this one incident. Speak with your doctor to find the method of birth control that best suits your needs.

How effective is Plan B?

Provided you follow the instructions, it is:

• 95% effective within 24 hours of unprotected sex
• 85% effective between 25 and 48 hours
• 58% effective between 49 and 72 hours

Your dose of Plan B is less likely to work if:

• You have unprotected sex again in the same menstrual cycle after taking Plan B
• You've already had unprotected sex earlier in your menstrual cycle
• You vomit within 1 hour of taking plan B (talk to your pharmacist if this happens)
• You're taking other medication that may reduce it's effectiveness
• You've already taken Plan B once since your last period and you now find yourself pregnant, do not take it again. It does not work if you already have a confirmed pregnancy. If you feel you need further assistance, call your doctor or local health clinic as soon as possible.

Are there any side effects?

It's highly unlikely you'll experience any major side effects. Most women can carry on with their activities as usual. If you do have a headache or feel sick, it should pass fairly quickly. If it doesn't, speak with your doctor.

After taking Plan B, most women will get their period when expected. But sometimes your period might come earlier or later, and might be lighter or heavier than usual. You may also experience some "spotting" until your next period. There's no need to worry, this isn't a sign that anything is wrong. It's just the effect of the progestin hormone on your body.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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posted by BirthControlBuzz @ 10:07 AM