If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or experienced a contraceptive failure, you may be considering Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill.
It’s important to understand that Plan B is intended only as an emergency contraceptive and is not meant to be used as a regular birth control method.
Read on to learn the essentials you need to know about Plan B—or contact Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic for more information.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B is a high-dose hormonal contraceptive that primarily works by:
- Delaying or preventing ovulation: If ovulation hasn’t occurred yet, Plan B may help prevent the release of an egg, reducing the chance of fertilization.
- Thickening cervical mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
- Altering the uterine lining: In some cases, Plan B may make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant, though this is not its primary function.
What Plan B Does NOT Do
Plan B is not intended to have the same function as the abortion pill. If a fertilized egg has already implanted in the uterus, Plan B is not designed to end pregnancy. It is only meant to prevent pregnancy if ovulation has not yet occurred.
What Should You Do If You Think You’re Pregnant?
If you have already missed your period or suspect you may be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is the next step. Since other health conditions can mimic early pregnancy symptoms, it’s crucial to confirm with a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. An ultrasound will provide important details such as:
- If the pregnancy is progressing(detecting a heartbeat)
- If the pregnancy is ectopic, which can be life-threatening
Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic is Here for You
At Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic, we care about your reproductive health and well-being. We offer free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and a safe, judgment-free space to ask questions and explore your options.
If you’re unsure about what to do next, you are not alone. Contact Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic today to get the support and answers you need.