Family Planning Plus

Plan B is not 100% effective, but it does reduce the risk of pregnancy. Plan B One-step is a pill you can take after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy. It works best if it is used within the first 24 hours after sex but can be used up to 120 hours (or five days) after unprotected sex with decreased effects after the first three days.  The sooner you use Plan B, the more effective it is. Your timely use of the medication increases the likelihood that Plan B will work for you. However, its effectiveness also depends on the timing of your menstrual cycle. If you ovulated just before taking Plan B, it is less likely to work for you.

Plan B works by delaying ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), and possibly by interfering with fertilization (the union of sperm and egg) and implantation (when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining). If you are already pregnant, it will not terminate the pregnancy. According to the manufacturer, the treatment prevents seven of eight pregnancies that otherwise would have occurred.

As I’m sure you know, use of alcohol interferes with one’s ability to use condoms effectively. Condoms work best when they are used correctly and consistently. Here are some tips for correct condom use.

• Always check the expiration date to be sure it is not expired prior to use.
• Condoms should be stored at room temperature in a sharps free environment.
• Never use an oil-based lubricant with a latex condom. If you need additional lubricant, use a water-based type like KY Jelly or Astroglide.
• Pinch the tip of the condom between the thumb and forefinger while rolling it onto the erect penis to ensure that there is no air pocket in the tip of the condom.
• Smooth out the sides of the condom once it has been rolled on to ensure there are no air pockets in the sides of the condom.
• Hold onto the rim or base of the condom while removing the penis from the vagina to prevent it from slipping off inside the vagina during removal.
• Do not have any penis-vagina contact without a condom.

One of the most common side effects of Plan B use is menstrual irregularity.  Therefore, your next period could be earlier than usual, later than usual, or spotty (meaning you may bleed for a few days, stop, and then bleed some more). However, if you are a week or more late for your period, 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.

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 contact, you may want to think about using a hormonal method of birth control as they are more effective.  If you live near one of our offices, please call us for an appointment to discuss your contraceptive options. If you live further away, contact the Family Planning or Planned Parenthood office closest to you.