Let’s Talk About Plan B (The Morning-After Pill) in Baltimore, MD
If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or a birth control failure, you may be wondering if taking Plan B (also known as the morning-after pill) is the right choice for you.
Before you decide, it’s important to understand what Plan B is, how it works, and what risks or side effects may come with it.
Can’t I Just Take Plan B to Avoid Pregnancy?
It might seem like an easy solution, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Any time you have sex, pregnancy is possible.
- No birth control method is 100% effective—including Plan B.
- Plan B can have side effects and may not work the same for everyone.
If you’re thinking about using Plan B, it’s best to learn how it affects your body so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Plan B and How Does It Work?
Plan B is an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill that contains a high dose of synthetic hormones. Its main goal is to delay ovulation, which means it tries to prevent the release of an egg that could be fertilized by sperm.[1]
It’s important to know:
- Plan B should not be used as regular birth control.[1]
- It may be less effective for women who weigh 165 pounds or more.[2]
What If I Already Ovulated?
If you’ve already ovulated, Plan B may not prevent pregnancy. In some cases, it can also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. When this happens, the embryo cannot continue developing, which ends the pregnancy.
While this is not the main way Plan B is designed to work, it is a possible effect.
Is Plan B the Same as the Abortion Pill?
No. Plan B and the abortion pill (also called medication abortion) are two different medications that work in different ways:
- Plan B is meant to prevent pregnancy before it starts by delaying ovulation.
- The abortion pill ends a pregnancy that has already begun.[1]
If you think you might already be pregnant, Plan B will not work.
To know for sure, schedule a free pregnancy test at Options Baltimore @ 328.
Common Plan B Side Effects
Like any medication, Plan B can cause side effects. These may include:[1]
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting or irregular bleeding
- Changes in your next period
If you experience heavy bleeding, spotting for more than a week, or sharp lower abdominal pain within a few weeks of taking Plan B, contact your doctor right away. These could be signs of complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy or an early miscarriage.[1]
Frequent or repeated use of Plan B can also disrupt your hormones and cause irregular periods.
Can Plan B Delay My Period?
Yes. It’s common for your period to be late or irregular after taking Plan B. You might also notice bleeding between periods or a heavier-than-usual flow next time.[1]
If your period is more than a week late, it’s important to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether Plan B worked.
How Options Baltimore @ 328 Can Help
If you’re considering Plan B—or already took it and your period is late—you’re not alone.
Our licensed nurses are here to answer your questions and explain how Plan B works, what to expect next, and whether you might need a pregnancy test or ultrasound.
At Options Baltimore @ 328, we offer:
- Free medical-grade pregnancy tests
- Free limited ultrasounds
- Confidential support and information
We’ll walk with you through your options so you can make a confident and informed decision about your health and next steps.
👉 Schedule Your Free Appointment Today
Sources
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730
- Cleland, K., Raymond, E. G., Westley, E., & Trussell, J. (2014). Emergency contraception review: Evidence-based recommendations for clinicians. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- Food and Drug Administration. Plan B label.