Can i take plan b on birth control pills?
Ah, the age-old question – can you take Plan B while already taking birth control pills? This might seem like a straightforward query, but as with many matters relating to contraception and reproductive health, nothing is ever quite that simple. So buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the weird and wonderful world of female fertility!
First things first: what is Plan B?
For those who may not know, let’s start with a quick rundown of what exactly Plan B is. In short, it’s an emergency contraceptive pill that can be taken after unprotected sex or if your usual form of birth control fails (e.g., a condom breaks). It contains a higher dose of hormones than regular birth control pills and works primarily by preventing ovulation – basically stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg that could potentially be fertilized.
Okay, but how does this relate to my regular birth control pills?
Excellent question! Depending on which type of birth control you use (whether it be the Pill or another method such as the patch or ring), there are different ways in which these contraceptives operate. However, they generally fall under two categories – hormonal methods or non-hormonal methods.
Hormonal methods work by introducing synthetic versions of either estrogen or progesterone into your system (although some types contain both hormones) at consistent levels throughout your menstrual cycle. These hormones help prevent pregnancy in several ways; for example:
- Stopping ovulation – no released egg means no chance for fertilization
- Thickening cervical mucus – makes it difficult for sperm to swim through
- Thinning uterine lining – reduces likelihood of embryo implantation
Non-hormonal methods include such options as condoms and copper-based intrauterine devices (IUDs). They don’t involve synthetic hormones but instead rely on physical barriers or other mechanisms to prevent pregnancy.
So, can I take Plan B if I’m already using a hormonal birth control method?
Yes! Most forms of birth control are compatible with the use of emergency contraception like Plan B. However, there are still some important things to consider before popping that little drugstore pill:
How effective is my regular form of birth control?
The effectiveness of your chosen birth control method should be taken into account before deciding whether or not you need to use an additional contraceptive. For example, if you’re taking the Pill exactly as directed and haven’t missed any doses, your chances of getting pregnant are already quite low – in fact, most sources estimate that typical use failure rates for oral contraceptives hover around 7%. In this scenario, it might not be necessary or even advisable to add in another hormone-heavy medication like Plan B.
On the other hand, if you’ve recently started a new type of contraception or have skipped pills multiple times during your cycle or experienced vomiting/diarrhea that could interfere with your Pill’s efficacy… well then maybe grabbing some extra insurance from Plan B wouldn’t hurt!
Will taking two types of hormones at once make me sick?
While combinations of hormonal medications can sometimes lead to unpleasant side effects (hellooooo nausea and breast tenderness), generally speaking it shouldn’t cause any major issues if you take both on the same day. That being said, keep in mind that emergency contraception is often associated with temporary changes in menstrual bleeding patterns (such as heavier flow or delayed periods) so don’t freak out too much if things get out sync for a bit.
Should I talk to my doctor first?
It’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen (hint hint yes we mean talking about sex). They’ll have more specific info based on your own medical history and can weigh in on potential interactions between different drugs.
Are there any times when I definitely should NOT take Plan B if I’m on birth control pills?
In very rare circumstances, taking both forms of contraception simultaneously could be counterproductive or even dangerous to your health. So here are some scenarios where you may want to skip the extra dose:
You’re already pregnant
Plan B and other emergency contraceptives only work before conception takes place – they don’t abort a fetus that has already implanted in your uterus. If there’s any chance you might already be knocked up (whether from previous unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure that occurred several days prior), then taking Plan B will have zero effect on this pregnancy but could potentially expose you to nasty hormonal side effects.
You’ve previously experienced blood clots
Another rare but severe complication associated with hormonal birth control is the development of blood clots. Certain medical conditions can make someone more susceptible to clotting issues, such as Factor V Leiden gene mutation or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (not sure what those are? us either) so anyone who falls into this category should steer clear of adding additional hormones whenever possible.
Maybe avoid if already Maxed Out
Taking multiple doses/alternating medications excessively close together is not ideal and doing it too frequently can seriously mess with hormone balances…
Ok tired yet?? We hope we helped clarify at least some aspects of using Plan B while also being on regular birth control! To sum it up:
- Emergency contraception like Plan B generally can be taken while using most types of birth control pills
- Some factors like effectiveness rates and existing health conditions may influence whether it’s worth doubling up with additional hormones
- Always check in with your doctor before starting/changing any kind(s) of medication!
And hey – regardless of which path you choose, remember one important thing: practicing safe sex means knowing your options and making informed decisions that work best for you and your body. Stay healthy out there, ladies!