Plan B, also known as the “morning after” pill, is a medication used for emergency contraception. There are also generic versions of Plan B available, such as Take Action and My Way, which have the same active ingredients but may be less expensive. These medications can help prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
Plan B contains a large amount of levonorgestrel, a hormone that is found in regular birth control pills. It should not be used as your primary form of contraception because it is not as effective as other forms of birth control.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B is effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It does this in one of three ways:
- Temporarily stops the release of an egg from the ovary
- Prevents fertilization of the egg
- Prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine lining
Plan B is much less effective if taken after the 72-hour window, and in women who weigh over 175 pounds. If there is already an embryo implanted in the uterine lining, it will have no effect.
You should not take Plan B if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients in the pill. Plan B will not prevent or treat any sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
If you want to know more about Plan B or think you might be pregnant, contact Hopeline PRC.
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