Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that is claimed to be 95% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies. Specifically, Plan B works to prevent or delay ovulation if taken right after you have had sexual intercourse. Recently taken Plan B and concerned about its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy in your case? Unfortunately, there is no way to know how effective Plan B is, other than waiting for your period to arrive. However, as long as Plan B is consumed correctly, there is definitely nothing to worry about, and while waiting for your period to arrive, try to identify whether or not you are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Taking Plan B Correctly
Step 1. Take Plan B immediately after you have unprotected sex
Although Plan B is better known as “the morning after pill”, there is no need to wait until the next day to take it. In fact, Plan B is most effective when taken immediately after sexual intercourse, or a maximum of 72 hours after sexual intercourse. Therefore, immediately take Plan B after unprotected sexual intercourse.
- In Indonesia, you can find Plan B more in online stores, instead of offline pharmacies. However, you can still buy them at pharmacies, although generally, they need to be accompanied by a doctor's prescription.
- It's a good idea to always have Plan B on hand if you're a sexually active woman, but don't plan on getting pregnant yet. That way, you can always use it when needed.
Tip:
Plan B can reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within a maximum of 72 hours after sexual intercourse, but its effectiveness is highest if taken within the first 24 hours.
Step 2. Read and follow the instructions for use on the pill packaging
Using Plan B is actually not difficult, as long as you are willing to read and follow all the instructions listed on the packaging. Therefore, read the instructions on the packaging and follow all of them to maximize their effectiveness.
If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist or doctor
Step 3. Expect your period, which may be up to a week late
After taking Plan B, your next period may arrive on time, or it may lag behind your initial expectations. Even if it is late, the duration of the delay should be no more than one week. Therefore, always monitor your menstrual cycle to make sure the day of your first period occurs within a maximum of one week after the delay. While waiting, try not to stress that risk further delaying your period.
- Since the emergency contraceptive pill can prevent or delay ovulation, it's natural for your period to fall behind your initial expectations.
- You may experience minor bleeding outside of your period or spotting after taking Plan B. However, there is no need to worry as these problems should resolve on their own.
- Plan B will not protect you from pregnancy if after taking it, you return to unprotected sex during the same menstrual cycle.
Step 4. Use nonhormonal birth control for at least 5 days after taking Plan B
Understand that the hormones in common contraceptive pills can reduce Plan B's ability to block ovulation. Therefore, for 5 days after taking Plan B, you should use non-hormonal contraceptives during sexual intercourse, such as condoms or diaphragms. In addition, although Plan B can prevent pregnancy if taken right after sexual intercourse, its benefits will be lost if you have sex again after consuming it.
- Plan B will not reduce your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- After 5 days, you can return to using any form of contraception.
Step 5. Talk to your doctor if your body mass index (BMI) is above average
In fact, the effectiveness of Plan B may be reduced in people with high BMI levels. Although you can still try it, you should consult with your doctor whether or not there is a better emergency contraceptive pill option. Chances are, your doctor will prescribe an emergency contraceptive pill that is more effective than Plan B, such as Ella (ulipristal acetate).
Call your doctor immediately to increase the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive pill of your choice
Step 6. Call your doctor if you vomit within 2 hours of taking Plan B
Although the effectiveness of Plan B is not in doubt, if accidentally vomited, contact your doctor to find out whether or not you need to take an additional dose. In particular, tell your doctor that you vomit within a few hours of taking Plan B.
Chances are, the doctor will ask you to come to the clinic or consult over the phone. After that, your doctor will usually prescribe another emergency contraceptive pill or ask you to go back to taking one Plan B
Step 7. Understand that Plan B's effectiveness will not be compromised by alcohol, drugs, or similar addictive substances
After all, Plan B as an emergency contraceptive can be purchased at various online stores without a doctor's prescription so that whenever you need it, you can always take it.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your condition doesn't allow you to drive, ask someone else to buy a Plan B or to take you to the pharmacy
Method 2 of 2: Recognizing Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Step 1. Be aware of nausea or vomiting you experience
In addition to late menstruation, nausea is one of the symptoms of early pregnancy that is felt by most women. On the other hand, vomiting is a less common symptom, although some women experience it as well. Therefore, if you start to feel nauseous or want to vomit, immediately take a pregnancy test independently or with the help of a doctor.
Don't worry if you feel nauseous immediately after taking Plan B, especially since this condition is one of the side effects of Plan B. After all, the egg takes several days to be fertilized and attaches to the uterine wall, so it's more likely that nausea will appear after taking Plan. B is not a symptom of early pregnancy
Tip:
If Plan B doesn't work, you should notice early pregnancy symptoms shortly before the day of your next period, about a week or so after taking Plan B.
Step 2. Watch for swollen and painful breasts
The hormones that build up during pregnancy may make your breasts feel more uncomfortable, and for most women, this is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms. If you also experience it, the possibility of pregnancy cannot be ignored. However, there is no need to worry too much because it is possible that pain and swelling in the breasts are just symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
In addition to nausea, you may also experience swelling and tenderness in your breasts for a few days after taking Plan B. However, don't worry because this is most likely a side effect of Plan B, not a symptom of early pregnancy
Step 3. Watch your urinary frequency
Women who are pregnant will have more blood in their bodies. As a result, the body will produce more urine because the kidneys have to work harder to process the blood. That's why, the possibility of getting pregnant should not be ignored if you suddenly urinate more often than usual.
It's best to check with your doctor if your frequency of urination suddenly increases. Although most likely harmless, increased frequency of urination can also be caused by medical disorders other than pregnancy, such as diabetes
Step 4. Beware if you feel tired all the time
Basically, pregnancy will increase the production of the hormone progesterone, and this hormone is responsible for the sensation of fatigue and intense sleepiness that you feel. Therefore, if you suddenly feel more tired than usual, immediately take a pregnancy test independently or with the help of a doctor.
If the risk of getting pregnant makes you very stressed, chances are that stress is what is exhausting your body and mind. As a result, you will have trouble sleeping or feel drained of energy. Whatever the symptoms, don't jump to conclusions before taking a pregnancy test
Step 5. Watch out if you experience very intense mood swings
Because pregnancy can affect the hormonal balance in the body, quite a lot of women feel more emotional or more irritable when experiencing it. However, since mood swings can also be caused by premenstrual syndrome, it's possible that you're not pregnant. In particular, be aware that very intense liver changes are accompanied by other early pregnancy symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your mood swings
Step 6. Take a pregnancy test if your period is 3 weeks late
Although Plan B's effectiveness is very good, the possibility of pregnancy is still there. Therefore, if you haven't had your period for 3 weeks, try taking a pregnancy test to get an accurate conclusion. Basically, a pregnancy test can be done yourself at home or with the help of a doctor.
Although a pregnancy test can be done from the first day of your next period, you really only need to worry if your period has been delayed for at least a week
Tips
- Taking Plan B is a safe and effective way to use if your contraceptive method fails, or if you have unprotected sex but are not planning to get pregnant. However, never make Plan B your primary method of contraception!
- Taking Plan B will not affect the quality of your future fertility.
Warning
- Understand some of the side effects that may occur after taking Plan B, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, headaches, and changes in menstrual patterns.
- Call your doctor right away if you experience intense abdominal pain, especially since this condition can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Do not take Plan B if you are breastfeeding or think you are pregnant.
