• What is Plan B® One-Step, and how soon would I need to take it?
    Plan B® One-Step is an emergency contraceptive ("morning-after pill") that may prevent pregnancy if it's taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.[1] It's more likely to be effective the sooner it's taken [2], but its ability to prevent pregnancy also varies depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle when you take it.[3] It's sold over-the-counter for women 17 and older, but by prescription only for those under 17.

  • How effective is it?
    The evidence varies on this. The manufacturer says it reduces the risk of pregnancy by about 88% [4], but other analysis suggests that its effectiveness may be significantly lower.[5]

  • How does it work?
    When Plan B® One-Step prevents pregnancy, it seems to do so mainly by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). Because sperm can live in a woman's body for several days after she has sex, if she releases an egg during that time, she could get pregnant. Plan B® One-Step may also make it less likely that the sperm will reach the egg and fertilize it.[6]

    The manufacturer indicates that Plan B® One-Step might also prevent implantation [7], keeping a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine lining. This is still being debated by medical professionals. So far, the evidence seems to indicate that it works before fertilization (mainly by keeping the egg from being released) rather than afterward.[8]

  • Is Plan B® One-Step the same as RU-486, the abortion pill?
    No. Plan B® One-Step uses a hormone called levonorgestrel mainly to prevent ovulation; RU-486 uses a drug called mifepristone to work against the hormones that would normally enable a pregnancy to continue. If you're already pregnant, it's too late for Plan B® One-Step.[9] Contact us for for free pregnancy verification or to discuss your options.

  • Does Plan B® One-Step offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases?
    No.[10] If you have had sex with someone who may have had other partners, or if you have been sexually assaulted, please seek STD testing. Early diagnosis and treatment of some STDs can reduce your risk of experiencing serious health consequences like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.[11]

  • What side effects am I likely to experience if I take Plan B® One-Step?
    Side effects of Plan B® One-Step may include changes in your period, nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness. If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B® One-Step, contact your healthcare provider. If you have severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical care in case you have an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.[12]

TOO LATE FOR PLAN B?
For pregnancy testing
or options counseling,
contact us online or
call 362-4357.

QUESTIONS?
 ConsultBRWC

© 2007-2010 Blue Ridge Women’s Center and its licensors. All rights reserved. | Site Terms of Use
5034 Williamson Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 | info@blueridgewoman.org