Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill”, is an over-the-counter oral form of emergency contraceptive.  It is a man-made progestin called  levonorgestrel – it does not contain estrogen.  How the medication works is up in the air, but it is thought to prevent pregnancy in a few different ways. The main function is believed to be from stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation).  Next would be the medication may be able to stop fertilization or implantation from even happening or it may disrupt the transport of the fertilized egg to the uterus.   If the fertilized egg does become implanted in the uterus, Plan B will not terminate the pregnancy.

Plan B has been available over-the-counter to males and females ages 18 years and older since August 2006.  However, the FDA recently announced that the contraceptive will soon be available over-the-counter to 17 year olds as well.  Plan B is located behind the pharmacy counter and can be purchased with an ID so as to prove your age.

Plan B is indicated for use when no form of contraceptive has been used or when the contraceptive you used may have not worked (i.e. broken condom).  You should not use the “morning-after pill” as your regular form of contraceptive because there is no telling what the long-term effects will have on your body.

The emergency contraceptive comes in a package containing two tablets.  The first tablet is to be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of  intercourse and the second one must be taken about 12 hours later.  It can be taken with or without food, but having something in your stomach may ease the nausea and vomiting effects the pill may cause.  If you vomit within 1 hour of the first dose, you must repeat that dose.

It is safe to say that Plan B has brought up many ethical issues surrounding abortion.  In my opinion, pregnancy does not occur until implantation has taken place.  I would say Plan B is preventing pregnancy and not causing abortion.  However, I am understanding of those with other beliefs, such as pregnancy occurs at the time the egg becomes fertilized in which case Plan B would be ending the pregnancy.

Hopefully you now understand how Plan B works and you can make an educated decision on whether it is the right option for you.   Whatever you do, practice safe sex and use Plan B when all else has failed!