Plan B - Emergency Contraception - MacArthur Medical Center

plan b – emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is a contraceptive method women can use after unprotected intercourse to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Plan B only prevents pregnancy and does not cause a miscarriage or an abortion. Emergency is not the same thing as RU-486 which is used for medical abortion. It will not interrupt an already fertilized egg. Emergency contraception works in the same way as traditional birth control pills.

Plan B should be used within 72 hours after the incident occurred and is available over the counter without a prescription. Ella is a prescription only method that can be taken up to five days after intercourse. Emergency contraception decreases the risk of pregnancy by about 70%. The sooner you take it after unprotected intercourse the more effective it is.

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue. Those side effects will subside within 1-2 days after treatment. Plan B can cause menstrual changes including spotting, initiation of menses with heavy bleeding, increased duration of a woman’s cycle and altered timing of the next menstrual period. It is available over the counter for a woman of any age.

How does it work?

The NuvaRing is a unique form of birth control where a small flexible ring is inserted comfortably into the vagina. It offers the convenience of once monthly dosing. The ring is placed high in the vaginal canal and left in place for 21 days. Then it is removed for 7 days to allow for a menstrual cycle.

Will it make me gain weight?

The NuvaRing is not associated with any weight gain.

What happens if I forget to put the ring in after my period? What happens if I keep the ring in longer than three weeks?

If you forget to put the ring in after your cycle, put it in as soon as you remember. If you forget more than three days after your cycle, put the ring in, but use back-up birth control for that month. You should also expect some irregular spotting and bleeding. It is okay if you keep the ring in longer than three weeks; however, it is not guaranteed that it will protect you from getting pregnant.

Are there any long term effects of using the ring? Am I going to get cancer?

There are no long term effects of using the ring, and it is not associated with cancer.

I’m nit having sex, why do I need the ring?

The NuvaRing can regulate periods and decrease painful, heavy cycles. it can also help stabilize the vaginal environment to reduce the frequency of bacterial and yeast infections.

Who shouldn’t use the NuvaRing?

Do not use the NuvaRing if you are pregnant, over the age of 35 and smoke, have a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease or a blood clot. Notify your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, chest pain, unrelieved headaches, visual changes or severe leg pain.

How effective is it?

The NuvaRing is effective on the first day of use. Although some women are aware that it is place, most cannot feel it once it is inserted — similar to a tampon. If the NuvaRing is out of the vagina for more than 4 hours women should use a back-up form of contraception for the next 7 days. The Nuva Ring has a 9% failure rate.

What hormones are in the ring?

NuvaRing delivers a steady, low dose of estrogen and progesterone which is absorbed through vaginal walls. This prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation.

Does it protect me from STIs?

The NuvaRing does not protect from any sexually transmitted infections. It can stabilize the vaginal environment and help women who experience frequent bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, though these are not infections that are transmitted sexually.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and an increase in non-infectious vaginal discharge.

Do I need a break from the NuvaRing?

No break is necessary while using the NuvaRing. In fact, if you take a break, you may get regnant, and your menstrual cycles may go back to being irregular.

Can I use the NuvaRing if I’m breastfeeding?

No, the NuvaRing is not safe to use in women who are breast feeding.

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plan b – emergency contraception

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