In 2006, the FDA approved the use of Plan B, which is referred as the morning after pill. The morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive that prevents implantation of the egg after fertilization. Although it’s mostly used as a preventative measure after fertilization, Plan B also prevents ovulation. A morning after pill that stops ovulation prevents an egg from release in the ovaries. Since no egg is released, pregnancy is avoided.
What is Plan B?
The morning after pill is actually packaged as two pills. The pills contain a drug called levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is a female hormone that has several functions. First, it inhibits the release of an egg from the ovaries. Secondly, it increases the thickness of the mucous membrane in the uterus. The increase in thickness inhibits the sperm’s ability to enter the uterus and limits the fertilized egg from implantation. This stops pregnancy, and the woman will menstruate regardless of pregnancy. Even though it is an effective way to avoid pregnancy, Plan B should only be used for emergency contraceptive reasons like forgetting to take a birth control pill or a broken condom.
Where to Get the Morning After Pill
The FDA has ruled the morning after pill should remain a prescription form of medication, but patients are able to purchase the drug through a pharmacist. Plan B is available to anyone over the age of 17. A patient can purchase the morning after pill at any local pharmacy including the large chains like CVS. The pharmacist does not ask any questions except for a driver’s license or form of identification to verify the patient’s age.
How to Take Plan B
Plan B should only be taken for emergency reasons. If the woman is already pregnant, taking any type of morning after page can lead to termination of the fetus. Levonorgestrel can be passed from the mother to the baby, so patients should not take Plan B if the woman is nursing.
The longer the period between sexual contact and taking the pill, the less likely a morning after pill will be effective. Patients should take Plan B within 72 hours, but the sooner it’s taken, the better chance of efficacy. Women are given a first dose for immediate administration, but a second dose is taken later in the day. Women should take the doses as instructed to ensure the morning after pill takes effect.
Women who forget birth control or for couples who experience faulty contraceptives, the morning after pill is an effective way to avoid pregnancy. Plan B is easily available at a pharmacy. Plan B is most effective when taken properly, so ask the pharmacist any questions before taking the pill.
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