Emergency Contraception
We value education about emergency contraception first
The Morning-After Pill
Emergency contraception or the morning-after pill is a drug taken after sex that may prevent pregnancy in certain situations. Before taking any emergency contraception, understand the side effects and risks.
Your health is important, so get as much information as possible. We’ll be happy to discuss this form of contraception with you.
What Is Plan B One-Step?
Plan B One-Step is a type of emergency contraceptive taken after sex with the hope of preventing pregnancy.
Timing is critical when taking Plan B because this drug is only effective if you haven’t already gotten pregnant. The manufacturer suggests taking it no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex. The earlier you take it, the better it works.
How Does Plan B Work?
The possibility of pregnancy occurs a few days out of every month. If you have unprotected sex during the time you won’t become pregnant, Plan B One-Step is unnecessary.
Plan B works by temporarily stopping ovulation and preventing fertilization. If fertilization has already happened and the embryo has attached to the uterine wall, Plan B will most likely fail.
The Mayo Clinic states, “The morning-after pill can fail even with correct use, and it offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”
What Are The Risks Or Side Effects Of Plan B?
Side effects include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
Potential risks include:
- Severe pain in your stomach
- Uterine hemorrhage
- Vaginal hemorrhage
Can I Take Plan B For Regular Contraception?
Plan B is emergency contraception only and should not be used as a regular method of birth control. It doesn’t provide long-term protection against future pregnancy either.
What Is ella®?
Ella (ulipristal acetate) is another form of emergency contraception, but it differs from Plan B One-Step. The drug is chemically similar to RU-486, the abortion pill.
Like Plan B, there is no point in adding adverse chemicals to your body if you’ve had unprotected sex during the time of the month you cannot get pregnant.
Should I Use Emergency Contraception?
Whether to use emergency contraception is a decision you should take seriously. We are happy to help you with any questions you have.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information. You can talk to a trained peer consultant about your situation. All conversations are free and strictly confidential.
Pregnancy Testing
Make sure you are getting the most accurate pregnancy test results possible. We offer a free and confidential pregnancy test that is 99% accurate. If your test is positive, ask about your next steps.
Ultrasounds
After a positive pregnancy test, our client advocates will determine if you qualify for a free and confidential first-trimester ultrasound. An ultrasound indicates if your pregnancy is viable.
Resource Support
We provide you with community referrals that can help with your immediate concerns. Several organizations cover a wide range of services for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
Post Abortion Support
For most women, their immediate feeling post-abortion is relief. But for some women, days, months, or even years later, they begin to feel grief, sadness, and a sense of loss. If this is you, we want you to know there is hope and healing.
Pregnancy Testing
Make sure you are getting the most accurate pregnancy test results possible. We offer a free and confidential pregnancy test that is 99% accurate. If your test is positive, ask about your next steps.
Ultrasounds
After a positive pregnancy test, our client advocates will determine if you qualify for a free and confidential first-trimester ultrasound. An ultrasound indicates if your pregnancy is viable.
Resource Support
We provide you with community referrals that can help with your immediate concerns. Several organizations cover a wide range of services for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
Post Abortion Support
For most women, their immediate feeling post-abortion is relief. But for some women, days, months, or even years later, they begin to feel grief, sadness, and a sense of loss. If this is you, we want you to know there is hope and healing.
