The condom broke. You missed a pill. Your diaphragm wasn’t inserted properly (or perhaps not at all). Sometimes, even the best laid plans go awry. Thankfully, emergency contraceptives, commonly known as “the morning after pill”, are now readily available in Canada and the U.S.
Since 2005 in Canada and 2006 in the United States, the morning after pill, marketed in both countries under the name “Plan B”, has been available over-the-counter. (In Quebec, Canada, a doctor’s prescription is still required.)
What Is Plan B?
Plan B is a progestin-only contraceptive. The main ingredient is Levonorgestrel, which is also commonly found in the birth control pills.
According to Dr. Marjorie Greenfield M.D., “the morning-after pill is intended to prevent conception from taking place, not to abort an established pregnancy.” That is, Plan B will keep you from getting pregnant; it will not terminate a pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, you should not take Plan B; however, according to the Plan B website, “there’s no evidence that Plan B will harm you or the fetus” should you be pregnant when you take it. Regardless, medical professionals strongly recommend taking a pregnancy test prior to taking an emergency contraceptive pill.
It is also important to note that Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and it is not intended as a regular form of birth control. Plan B is just as its name suggests: a backup plan.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B works in one of three ways:
- It temporarily stops ovulation (the release of an egg or ovum from the ovary).
- It prevents fertilization of the egg.
- It prevents attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall.
Traditionally, the morning after pill was taken in two doses, 12 hours apart. Plan B, however, consists of two pills taken simultaneously.
What Are the Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Plan B are nausea and vomiting. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, about 23% of women who took a progestin-only contraceptive like Plan B experienced nausea, while 6% actually vomited.
If vomiting occurs within one hour of taking Plan B, another dose may be required, as the body may not have had time to absorb the medication.
Other rare but expected side effects include mild abdominal pain, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, dizziness, and fatigue.
If you experience sudden cramps, severe headache or migraine, itchiness or rash, or any prolonged or worsening side effects, seek medical attention.
When Does Menstruation Resume?
After taking Plan B, the next period should occur at the expected time, but may be a few days early or late. In general, menstruation should begin within three weeks.
Medical professionals strongly recommend abstaining from intercourse until menstruation resumes.
What About Other Medications?
Certain medications, such as anti-convulsives, antibiotics, and acetaminophen, may interfere with Plan B and make it less effective. Consult with a medical professional before taking such medications or if you are unsure about the effect other medications may have when taken with Plan B.
How Much Does Plan B Cost?
The cost of Plan B varies, but is generally around $40 in Canada and between $30 and $60 in the U.S. All or part of this cost may be covered by many public and private health plans. Check with your provider for reimbursement amounts and procedures.
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