Emergency Contraception
If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or the condom broke, you might be feeling anxious about the possibility of pregnancy.
Commonly sold as Plan B One-Step and ella®, emergency contraception may reduce the chance of pregnancy. These medications are reported to work in several possible ways: Delaying ovulation, blocking sperm from joining with an egg, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting – some may consider this a very early abortion.
These drugs do not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and there are potential risks and side effects to be considered.
PLAN B (MORNING-AFTER PILL)
How well does the morning-after pill work?
It is intended for use within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse; if taken within that time frame, it reduces the chances of pregnancy, but it is not 100% effective.
Should I take the morning-after pill?
You can only become pregnant on certain days of the month — around the time that you ovulate. Taking the morning-after pill during a time when you cannot become pregnant needlessly exposes you to a large dose of hormones and costs you money.
If you are already pregnant from an earlier sexual encounter, taking the morning-after pill is of no value and may cause unpleasant side effects.
Can the morning-after pill cause an abortion?
Taking Plan B One-Step® after fertilization may prevent the newly formed life from settling into the uterus and continuing to grow, which some consider a form of early abortion.
What are the side effects and risks?
Like any medication, risks and side effects are not the same for everyone who takes the morning-after pill. Plan B One-Step® can cause nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, heavier menstrual bleeding, and dizziness.
Your body and health are important, so take time to make the best decision. Please contact us to ask your questions and have a confidential discussion about your options if you are pregnant.
ELLA®
Is ella® effective?
If ella® is taken as directed, it will reduce the chance of pregnancy, but it is not effective in every case.
Should I take ella® (ulipristal)?
You can only become pregnant on certain days of the month — around the time that you ovulate. Taking ella® during a time when you cannot become pregnant needlessly exposes you to a drug for which there is much that is unknown.
To find out if you are pregnant, contact us. We can give you information and schedule a free pregnancy test appointment.
Can ella® cause an abortion?
Taking ella® after fertilization has taken place may prevent the newly formed life from settling into the uterus and continuing to grow, which some consider a form of early abortion.
There is something else to know about ella®. Unlike Plan B, ella® is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill Mifeprex™. Both have the ability to damage the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, causing its death.
Does ella® have side effects and risks?
There are reports of liver failure among women who have been given ulipristal to shrink their fibroids.
Please contact us to get more information and to learn about side effects and risks. Your body and health are important, so take time to make the best decision.
To learn more about emergency contraception, its risks, and its side effects, schedule your confidential consultation below.
NOTE: We offer accurate information about all your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services or emergency contraception. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
REFERENCES
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
3. Plan B One-Step | Drug Summary | PDR.net. (2014). September 14, 2021, from http://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/plan-b-one-step?druglabelid=573&id=1542.
MORNING AFTER PILL
1. Plan B One-Step | Drug Summary | PDR.net. (2014). Retrieved September 14, 2021, from http://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/plan-b-one-step?druglabelid=573.
ELLA®
- 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012). ella® FDA Approved Patient Labeling:highlights of prescribing information. Retrieved on September 14, 2021 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/022474s002lbl.pdf.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012). ella® FDA Approved Patient Labeling:highlights of prescribing information. Retrieved on September 14, 2021 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/
drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/ 022474s002lbl.pdf. - Plan B One-Step | Drug Summary | PDR.net. (2014). Retrieved September 14, 2021, from http://www.pdr.net/drug-
summary/plan-b-one-step? druglabelid=573. - https://my.clevelandclinic.
org/health/treatments/23386- morning-after-pill
CONFIDENTIAL ABORTION CONSULTATION – NO COST TO YOU
At your appointment, our staff will perform a pregnancy test and discuss all your options. Our medical staff will determine next steps, such as an ultrasound exam, and the best time to schedule that procedure. An ultrasound can confirm if you are carrying a viable pregnancy and can give you an estimate of pregnancy dating. This is valuable information regardless of which decision you make. The abortion procedure used and associated costs vary depending on duration of pregnancy.