What is in plan b the morning after pill?
When it comes to sex and contraception, things can get quite confusing, especially when trying to figure out what pills are made of. One common contraceptive frequently used as a backup plan is the morning after pill, also known as Plan B. But what exactly is in it? Buckle up your seats because we’re about to dive into the ins and outs of this notorious pill.
The Basics
To understand what’s inside the morning after pill, you need first to understand its purpose. As its name suggests, Plan B aims to serve as an emergency backup option if condoms break or other birth control methods fail during intercourse. It’s important always to keep that term in mind: “emergency.” This pill isn’t meant to replace consistent use of safer options but should be seen rather as a lifeline.
Plan B works mainly by preventing ovulation—when an egg leaves the ovaries—and alters your cervical mucus so sperm can’t reach said egg; Simply put: no fertilization occurs – thank Gawd! If fertilization does occur early on before popping any Plan Bs then youre screwed- literally (wink wink).
Seems reasonable enough right… RIGHT!!! But wait there’s MORE!!
What Is In It?
A single pill may contain either 1.5 milligrams (mg) or 0.75 mg levonorgestrel—a synthetic hormone similar produced naturally within humans commonly found in contraceptives such Norplant— depending on your country because why not add more mystery right!! Other varying ingredients include lactose monohydrate corn starch (because everythings better with corn), magnesium stearate (sounds fancy huh?), colloidal silicon dioxide (what now?!), talc( my mother called this baby powderurgh ), FD&C Blue #2-aluminum lake [10%] and FDC Red #40-aluminum lake [90%] (aka red… and blue).
The Side Effects
Like most medications, taking Plan B may result in a few unpleasant side effects (YAY!!). However, these should rarely last more than a few days, which is significantly less unbearable than an unwanted pregnancy or child support payments.
- Nausea: This is the commonest known symptom of the morning after pill.
- Headaches: NO! not migraines PHHEEW!!
- Dizziness: sometimes confused with being drunk
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular spotting/bleeding : so much fun!!
“Inconvenient,” you say? NOTHING compared to actual parenthood, PLUS it’s just another excuse for extra rest!
When Should You Take It?
Plan B pills are recommended sooner rather than later—the manufacturer states that you should take this medication within 72 hours of unprotected sex—because there needs to be eggs remaining to work on…. duh..??The earlier taken, the better chances it works as intended.
Although available over-the-counter at most stores , NEVER hesitate when asking your physician about what contraceptive options are right for you (for realz yo).
The Bottom Line
Emergency contraception can lead desperate individuals into any option; however, we cannot stress enough that using condoms or other “traditional” forms of contraceptives remain priorities for safer sexual activity- don’t make us lecture ya!!!
Don’t rely solely on emergency backup methods either like Plan B – whooaaa…. Common sense – use good judgement people#
Because even plan Bs aren’t always guaranteed — just ask my coworker Bob He had an incident with his girlfriend and freaked out causing him to turn towards plan b only to find himself holding air-filled packaging because all had expired without being used…..poor guy- HAHA NOT.
All jokes aside, emergency contraception is terrific when utilized as a backup plan. Plan B, in particular, has a high success rate in preventing pregnancy- thank you science!. Remember always to use safe sex methods separate from this back up method but just relax knowing one thing: Even if something goes sideways, there’s still an option out there for you.