Accidents happen. Maybe the condom broke, or you realized that you never took your birth control pill yesterday. Don’t panic — just know that there are options if you do have unprotected sex or your birth control method fails.
Plan B One-Step and Next Choice are emergency contraceptives that help prevent pregnancy from happening after unprotected sex or if your birth control method fails. Both products contain levonorgestrel, which is the same ingredient is in some birth controls, but at a much higher dose. Plan B One-Step contains one tablet taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, while Next Choice is the generic alternative, which is available at a cheaper price.
How it works
Emergency contraception is not an abortion pill and can’t disrupt an existing pregnancy! It works by inhibiting or delaying ovulation. In other words, it stops the release of an egg from the ovary. The sooner you take emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse the better! It’s suggested that it works best within the first 24 hours, but can be effective up to 72 hours. If taken out of this time frame it might still work, but if you miss your next period take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. You shouldn’t use emergency contraception as a regular birth control method because it is not as effective. Also, it doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
What to expect
When used as directed it is safe and effective, but, like any medicine, there are some side effects that you should be aware of. The most common side effect is menstrual changes. There may be some irregular bleeding or you may have changes in your period, such as a heavier or lighter flow. Your period may also be a few days early or late. If your period is more than one week late, take a pregnancy test. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue and abdominal pain.
Remember, that side effects can vary from person to person, so what your friend experienced might be different from what you experience after taking the pill. You might not have any side effects at all, but each person reacts differently so you never know.
Where to get it
You do not need a prescription for emergency contraceptive products. You can now get Plan B One-Step over-the-counter. You just go to the family-planning section in most pharmacies and just take it off the shelf and pay the cashier. No prescription or ID is required. The generic alternative is still available at the pharmacy counter to women ages 17 and up.
Accidents happen. So don’t be ashamed if you have to use emergency contraception after unprotected sex or if your birth control fails. According to the Plan B website, 7 out of 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant after taking emergency contraception. It’s always good to stay informed incase something unexpected were to happen.