Family Planning Plus

If you took Plan B prior to ovulating, it is unlikely that you will becom pregnant. However, if you ovulated before you took Plan B, you have a higher risk of pregnancy. According to the manufacturer, seven out of eight women who normally would have gotten pregnant will prevent pregnancy by taking Plan B.

Plan B works just like regular birth control pills by preventing ovulation, interfering with fertilization, and possibly preventing implantation.  The hormones in Plan B and regular birth control pills are similar to hormones that are produced during pregnancy.  The brain sees these hormone shifts and recognizes it as a pregnancy.  The brain then sends a message back down to the ovaries to suppress ovulation as eggs are no longer needed because of the perceived pregnancy.  As long as the brain continues to see these hormone levels, ovulation does not occur.  Plan B temporarily prevents ovulation since the hormones are delivered in one large dose.  Eventually, hormone levels return to normal and the contraceptive effect wears off.  Women using regular birth control pills theoretically never ovulate while taking pills as they are receiving a steady dose of hormones.

If you miss your period by a week or more, take a pregnancy test. If it is negative, repeat the test every two weeks until you have a normal period or a positive test result.

Just remember that Plan B should not be used as a regular method of birth control as it is less effective than other methods.  If you are going to continue to have sexual intercourse, it is best to use another more reliable form of birth control.  If you would like to discuss your birth control options and you live near one of our offices, please call one of our clinics to make an appointment. If you live further away, contact the Family Planning or Planned Parenthood office closest to you.