Plan B One-Step is a single-doseemergency contraceptive (EC)pill.
It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone belonging to the progestin class.
Plan B One-Step and its generic alternatives are available over the counter (OTC).
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Taking Plan B One-Step may affect your period.
However, if your period is more than a week late, you could be pregnant.
By stopping this process, the sperm cannot fertilize the egg, thus avoiding a pregnancy.
It is important to note that EC will not have any impact if ovulation has already taken place.
As a result, EC does not affect fertilized eggs or pregnancies already implanted.
EC, including Plan B One-Step, differs fromMifeprex (mifepristone).
Some states restrict access or completely disallow the use of Mifeprex.
In contrast, Plan B One-Step is legal and available in all 50 states.
What Is Plan B One-Step?
The FDA approves Plan B One-Step to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy followingunprotected sex.
It comes as a single-dose oral tablet that you swallow.
It is intended for use in people of reproductive age.
Plan B One-Step works up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
Taking it as soon as possible increases its effectiveness and reduces the chances of getting pregnant.
How Does Plan B One-Step Work?
Plan B One-Step prevents or delays ovulation when the ovary releases an egg.
As a result, sperm cells cannot reach or fertilize the egg, which helps prevent pregnancy.
Plan B One-Step works by preventing or delaying ovulation.
If you take it after ovulation has already occurred, it may be less effective.
Note that it offers no protection againstHIV (human immunodeficiency virus)or othersexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Therefore, it should not be considered a preventative measure against STDs.
Your Period & Plan B One-Step
Taking Plan B One-Step may result inchanges to the menstrual cycle.
After taking Plan B One-Step, your period may be earlier or later than expected.
In most cases, individuals taking it will get their period within a week when expected.
Period flow and duration may be similarly affected by Plan B One-Step.
You should still anticipate your period within a week before or after the expected time.
The most typical indication of its effectiveness is the arrival of your period.
you could also take a pregnancy test if your period is late.
Why Does Plan B Affect Your Period?
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Plan B One-Step, results in possible changes to the menstrual cycle.
Levonorgestrel is a syntheticprogestin hormone.
It is a lab-made version of a naturally occurring progesterone hormone and acts similarly.
If you vomit within three hours of taking it, you may need to repeat the dose.
Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice if you have questions about taking Plan B One-Step.
Precautions & Safety
The FDA advises pregnant individuals against using Plan B One-Step.
Plan B One-Step will not terminate an existing pregnancy.
In addition, individuals should not rely on the morning-after pill as their primary form of contraception.
These medications include:
Side Effects
Generally, Plan B One-Step provides safe emergency contraception.
However, some individuals may experienceside effects from the medication.
The most common side effects are:
In most cases, these side effects are mild.
Notably,abdominal paincould be a sign ofectopic pregnancy.
How Effective Is Plan B One-Step?
Plan B One-Step provides a practical option for preventing pregnancy.
In a major clinical study, Plan B One-Step prevented 84% of expected pregnancies.
However, other factors can alter the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step.
Furthermore, the point in themenstrual cyclewhen you take Plan B can affect how it works.
After taking Plan B One-Step, its common for individuals to experience some changes to their normal menstrual cycle.
Your period can come one week earlier or later than expected.
Plan B One-Step may cause spotting and/or periods that are heavier, longer, or lighter than usual.
Keep Plan B out of the reach of children and pets.
Plan B One-Step does not impact future fertility.
Plan B One-Step comes with an expiration date on the product packaging.
It is usually four years after the date of manufacturing.
EC has gained popularity over the last two decades.
This increase is likely because EC is now an easily accessible OTC product that had previously required a prescription.
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DailyMed.Label: mifepristone tablet.
Kaiser Family Foundation.Women’s health policy: emergency contraception.
World Health Organization.Emergency contraception.
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Foundation Consumer Healthcare.Plan B One-Step fact sheet.
