Thursday, December 31, 2009

Emergency pill to prevent pregnancy: Part 3

How will I know if Plan B One-Step worked?

Women who take the pill will have their next menstrual period at the expected time or within 7 days of the expected time. If the menstrual period is delayed beyond by more than 7 days, than the pill has not worked and you may be pregnant. In such a case, you should get a pregnancy test.

How often can I use Plan B One-Step?

Plan B One-Step is only meant for emergency use. One should use common sense and learn about other methods of contraception rather than rely on an emergency pill.

Who should not use plan B one Step?

- Those who are pregnant (because it will not work)
- If you are allergic to progestins or any of the
ingredients in Plan B One-Step
- Those seeking regular birth control

Protect yourself in more ways than one. Plan B One-Step is an emergency contraceptive pill that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when your birth control fails or is not used correctly.

Remember, Plan B One-Step is only for emergency pregnancy prevention. There are many other pills and products that work for regular birth control. Talk to your health professional if you want to know about contraception and what may work for you.

The cost of Plan B one step ranges from $35-$50

Emergency pill to prevent pregnancy: Part 2

Does plan B one step completely prevent pregnancy?

Once the pill is taken pregnancy is usually averted but 2 out of 100 women may develop an ectopic pregnancy. Any female takes Plan B One step who 4-6 weeks later develops lower abdominal pain or becomes pregnant should see a physician to determine the status of the pregnancy.

Does Plan B one step work if one is pregnant?

Once pregnancy has occurred plan B step one does not work. Moreover Plan B one step does not protect against any sexually transmitted infections.

Does one need to see a physician before taking the pill?

Females who have had unprotected sex and want to avert a pregnancy can take the pill without a physical exam by a physician. However, if after the pill the period is delayed by more than 1 week, one should seek medical attention. Plan B one step should not be used as a means of routine contraception.

How does the pill work?

The pill is believed to act by preventing ovulation or fertilization of sperm and ova.

Does plan B one step work all the time?

Unfortunately there is no such thing as 100 percent with any pill. Studies show that more than 95% of women who took Plan b one step did not get pregnant

Emergency pill to prevent pregnancy: Part 1

Women who need an emergency contraceptive pill to protect against pregnancy should take Plan B One step. Plan B One Step is a progestin only contraceptive pill which can prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex or when there is a failure of the condom. To ensure that the pill works it must be taken as soon as possible at least within the first 48-72 hours. After 3 days, the pill will not work. The two pills have two be taken 12 hours apart.

With recent FDA approval, both Plan B One-Step and Plan B will be available without a prescription to women 17 years of age and older. They will both be available for women younger than 17 years of age only by prescription.

What are side effects of Plan B One step?

If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill, one should repeat the dose. While the drug is deemed safe, it does have a few side effects like:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Nausea and vomiting
Lower abdominal cramps
Fatigue
Dizziness
Breast soreness and nipple tenderness
Delayed menses