The Truth About Plan B And Other Contraceptives
It can happen to anybody because accidents are unexpected. You always have protected sex but one day the condom breaks, or you take your birth control pill everyday at the same time, but one day you forget to bring it with you. There is no need for you to freak out because it is important for you to be informed and prepared for when these situations might happen. Not sure about how Plan B works or what other contraceptives you can use? Here is the truth about how you can prevent pregnancy effectively.
Plan B One-Step
Known as the best emergency contraceptive, Plan B One-Step is a single pill that you can take after having unprotected sex.
1. About Plan B…
It contains levonorgestrel, which is a higher dose of the hormone found in many birth control pills. Plan B is effective when you take it as soon as possible,when taken 24 hours after unprotected sex, it has a 95 percent rate to avoid pregnancy. However, there is a 72 hour period where the sooner you take it, the better it works. Plan B is not an abortion pill. If you are already pregnant, Plan B will not work and it will cause no harm to an existing pregnancy.
2. Where can I get it?
You can get Plan B at a Planned Parenthood near you, over the counter at many pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Walt Mart and Target; or even online at Amazon without needing a prescription, ID or any age restrictions.
P.S It may also be in your college’s health center!
3. How much does it cost?
Depending on where you buy it, Plan B can range from $30 dollars online to $50 dollars in pharmacies. Plan B also offers a coupon that you can find online!
4. How does it work?
The hormone mimics progesterone and tricks your body into thinking that it is pregnant by stopping the release of an egg.
5. What are the side effects?
It depends on each woman. Some feel fine afterwards, others can experience nausea, spotting, headache, cramps, dizziness, sore breasts and even vomiting, but these are less common.
Copper IUD
The most effective form of contraception which could last up to 12 years. It is 99 percent effective and serves as an emergency contraceptive if used within the first five days after unprotected sex and can be left as your normal birth control method.
1. How does it work?
By interfering with sperm movement, the copper IUD interferes with sperm by keeping it from traveling to the Fallopian tubes and fertilizing an egg. It also might affect your uterus chemistry by keeping an egg from fertilizing.
2. Where can I get it?
You can get a copper IUD at your gynecologist or at your nearest planned parenthood. You may need an appointment for a check up before inserting an IUD which is why it is best to take Plan B if you are in need of an emergency contraceptive but you can still do the procedure as a birth control method.
3. What are the side effects?
It ranges from women to women, some feel discomfort when it is inserted but it is only for a few seconds. However, some women claim of having heavier cramps and period flow but it normalizes within the first six months of the procedure. After that you are pregnancy free for the next 12 years!
4. How much does it cost?
It can cost between $0 to $932 dollars depending on your health insurance.
It is important to become informed about what these contraceptives really do and which one can benefit you the most. As a women it is important to do what is best for our bodies and how we can protect ourselves in having better and safer sex.
Featured photo source: thedailybeast.com and kuow.org
