Plan B One Step is a high-dose hormone pill intended to prevent pregnancy when other contraceptive methods have failed. This over-the-counter drug can be purchased by both men and women. However, Plan B One-Step should only be used as an emergency method of contraception, not routine contraception.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Using Plan B One-Step
Step 1. Take the pill
Take one Plan B One-Step pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. You can drink it right after having unprotected sex, if you have to. No need to wait until the next day.
These pills take maximum effect in the first 24 hours, but are still quite effective for up to 3 days. You can also take it up to 5 days after sexual intercourse, however, the level of effectiveness is not the same anymore
Step 2. Take Plan B One-Step pills with food and water
This medicine should not be taken on an empty stomach. Take this pill with food and water for maximum effectiveness.
Step 3. Take another pill if you vomit
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill, the dose may not be as effective. So, you may take one more pill to ensure its effectiveness.
You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the second dose
Step 4. Find out what other drugs are affecting it
Although it has not been thoroughly studied, theoretically, certain medications could reduce the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step. Some of the anti-seizure drugs that fall into this category are dilantin, felbatol, mesantoin, peganon, phenobarbital, and tegretol. Another drug that can decrease the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step is rifampin which is a tuberculosis drug.
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of these medications and must use emergency contraception.
- While they can affect the contraception you use regularly, antibiotics are not known to affect Plan B One-Step.
Step 5. Be aware of the side effects
Plan B One-Step pills can cause side effects for several days. You may experience stomach problems, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Your breasts may also feel sore. In addition, you may also experience headaches or dizziness, or feel tired. These symptoms are quite normal and will subside. If the symptoms of side effects do not improve, contact your doctor.
Step 6. Observe your period
Plan B can make your period late. Usually, only about a week. In addition, Plan B can also cause other problems such as the appearance of blood spots (spotting). If blood spots appear for a week after you take the pill, call your doctor.
- Similarly, if cramping or pain persists for about a month after taking the pill, you should consult a doctor.
- These symptoms need to be watched out for because they may signal you are having a miscarriage. On the other hand, this symptom also indicates an ectopic pregnancy that occurs when the egg is fertilized, but not in the uterus.
Step 7. Tell the doctor
When examined by a doctor (all doctors), let them know that you are taking Plan B pills. Your doctor needs to be told this because it may be related to the symptoms you are experiencing.
Consult your doctor if your period is more than 3 weeks late after taking the pill. Plan B One-Step is not always 100% effective, so you may still get pregnant after using it
Part 2 of 3: Knowing When One-Step Plan B is Needed
Step 1. Protect yourself with another method of contraception
Do not use Plan B One-Step as a substitute for another method of contraception. If you are sexually active, consider using birth control pills and condoms. The use of the contraceptive pill alone cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases that may have long-lasting consequences such as infertility and even death. On the other hand, using a condom every time you have sex can reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Consult a doctor or visit a health center to discuss safe sex options and appropriate contraceptive methods
Step 2. Know when to use Plan B One-Step
The main situation in which you need to use this pill is during vaginal sex without the protection of other contraceptives. "Unprotected" sex can mean many things, including when other birth control methods have failed, or when you miss a dose of your regular birth control pill.
Step 3. Take the Plan B One-Step pill if the condom doesn't work
If the condom tears during sexual intercourse, you may need to use emergency contraception. In addition, if there is spilled sperm around the vagina, emergency contraception may also be used.
Step 4. Take the Plan B One-Step pill when you miss a dose of a pill that contains only progesterone
Another reason why Plan B One-Step needs to be used is due to missed doses of contraceptive pills within a certain time. For example, if you are only taking pills that contain progesterone, you should take them on time. If more than 3 hours of use is missed, you may be unprotected and need to take Plan B pills.
Step 5. Use Plan B One-Step pills when you miss another dose of birth control pills
Also, if you miss one dose in the first week of the 21 or 28 day pill, or three or more doses in the second or third week, you may not be protected. With plaster contraception, you are not protected if you don't use it for more than one day in the first three weeks. While on Nuvaring, you are not protected if you don't use it for more than 3 hours in the first three weeks. In addition, antibiotics can also affect the effectiveness of your birth control pills.
Part 3 of 3: Getting the One-Step Plan B Pill
Step 1. Take a deep breath
Many people have been in your situation, and this is not the end of the world. You can buy Plan B One-Step pills, and chances are, your problem will be solved.
Step 2. Purchase Plan B One-Step pills within the first three days
For maximum effectiveness, you must take the Plan B One-Step pill within 72 hours of having sex. In fact, the sooner you use it, the better. This is why these pills are often called the "morning-after pill" because they are best taken within 24 hours.
- You can buy and prepare it. These pills may be quite expensive (around IDR 600,000 or more) and have an expiration date. However, you can also buy generic pills with the same effect and slightly cheaper. For example, the generic version, After Pill, can be purchased online for around IDR 250,000.
- The BKKBN sometimes provides free contraception for the poor.
Step 3. Visit the pharmacy
The easiest way to get Plan B pills is to visit a pharmacy. You don't have to see a doctor first because Plan B pills don't have to be bought with a prescription. This drug is sold over the counter.
- Previously, you had to buy Plan B One-Step pills with a doctor's prescription. However, now everyone who needs it can buy it freely.
- You may need to ask your pharmacist for these pills.
- If you feel embarrassed, try visiting a pharmacy located far from where you live. Go to the pharmacy across town, or come at a time when there are not many shoppers at the pharmacy. Also, try buying these pills from a pharmacist or cashier of the same gender as you to reduce embarrassment.
Step 4. Get Plan B pills at the health clinic
If the pharmacy is far from where you live, visit a health clinic. In the US, Plan B One-Step is also available at places like Planned Parenthood.
Tips
- If you buy emergency contraception that consists of two pills, take both at the same time. Current guidelines for using emergency contraception recommend not waiting 12 hours before taking the second pill.
- Remember to use condoms or other methods of contraception. Plan B cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and should not be used as your primary method of contraception. This option should only be used in an emergency situation.
