TeenHealthFX - Answers - What Does The Emergency Contraceptive Pill Do?

Birth Control Methods: Emergency Contraception Pill / Question
Published: January 30, 2007

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I have recently taken an emergency contraceptive pill called Plan B. Unfortunately my doctor didn’t have enough time to explain to me EXACTLY what this little pill does to me. I read the package and it said it increases Progesterone levels. Does this mean that it affects the amount of nutrients in my uterus' lining in order to keep the egg cell from attaching? What does it do???

Signed: What Does The Emergency Contraceptive Pill Do?

Dear What Does The Emergency Contraceptive Pill Do?,

For those who may not know, Plan B is a type of emergency contraceptive (EC) that can prevent a pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex. Plan B should not be confused with RU-486 (the abortion pill) – it will not work if you are already pregnant.

Plan B contains the hormone levonorgestrel. This is the same hormone found in birth control pills – only Plan B contains a larger dose than the amount found in a single birth control pill. Plan B basically works like a regular birth control pill, preventing pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. Plan B may also prevent the fertilization of an egg (the uniting of an egg and sperm) or the attachment of an egg to the uterus.

The following is some general information on EC:

While EC should not be used as a regular and consistent method of birth control, you may want to consider using EC if any of the following should occur:

· The condom broke or slipped off and your partner ejaculated in or near your vagina.

· You forgot to take your birth control pills, insert your ring, or put on your patch.

· Your diaphragm, cap, or shield slipped out of place and your partner ejaculated in or near your vagina.

· You were not using any type of birth control.

· You were forced into unprotected vaginal sex.

The advantages of EC are as follows:

· Can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex (although is most effective when used within 72 hours)

· Good for emergency situations

The disadvantages of EC are as follows:

· May cause nausea and vomiting

· NOT intended for regular use

· No protection against STD’s, including HIV

· EC will not continue to prevent pregnancy during the rest of your cycle.

The effectiveness of EC depends on timing. The sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be. EC will be most effective when used within 72 hours following intercourse. If begun within 12 hours of intercourse it is generally 99% effective; within 1-3 days of intercourse it is 96-97% effective.

EC is currently available from:

Private doctors, including primary care physicians and gynecologists
Planned Parenthood Centers
College, public, and women’s health centers
Hospital emergency rooms (unless they are affiliated with religions that oppose the use of birth control)

FX would also like to state that if you are ever being prescribed medication or are having any type of procedure done, your doctor should be taking the time to answer any questions that you may have – and you should certainly demand that he/she address any and all of your concerns before leaving his/her office. You definitely have a right to have a full and complete understanding of any condition you may have or any treatment regimen that is being recommended or prescribed!

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact Girl’s Street – A Young Woman’s Health Program – at 908.522.2555.

Signed: TeenHealthFX