Plan B & Family Planning
Whether you're facing a pregnancy scare or simply want to be informed, we’re here to help you understand the potential side effects, risks, and alternatives.
We can also provide information on other emergency contraceptives, the abortion pill, pregnancy options, STDs, and other reproductive health topics.
What Is Plan B?
Plan B One-Step is an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (like a broken condom). It contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone found in many birth control pills.
It is not intended as a regular method of birth control and could increase your risks and side effects if used as such. It also should not be taken if you are already pregnant or could be pregnant. Contact us for a free pregnancy test and know for sure.
Are Emergency Contraceptives Safe?
If you are considering an emergency contraceptive, it's crucial to remember that each drug has abnormal side effects. These can include, but are not limited to, abdominal distension, face edema, seizure, or stroke. If you have any health conditions that may increase your risk of these side effects, it's important to consult with your doctor before taking Plan B, Julie, Ella, or any other emergency contraceptive.
What If I’m Already Pregnant? Will Plan B or Ella Work?
If you’re already pregnant from a previous sexual encounter, you should not take an emergency contraceptive. Although we do not offer emergency contraceptives, we’re here to support you with consultations and free pregnancy testing. We can also verify your pregnancy and give information on abortion and your pregnancy options. Call us today to make an appointment.
What's the Difference Between Plan B and the Abortion Pill?
Plan B (Emergency Contraception)
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When it's used: After unprotected sex or birth control failure but before pregnancy happens.
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How it works: Delays ovulation so that an egg isn’t released and fertilization can’t occur.
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Timeframe: Most effective within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.
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Will it work if you're already pregnant? No. However, it could unintentionally cause a miscarriage.
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Side effects include, but are not limited to:
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Breast pain or tenderness
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Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
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Headache
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
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Pelvic pain
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Acne
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Changes in your menstrual periods, including your period being earlier or later than expected.
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The Abortion Pill (Chemical Abortion)
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When it's used: To end an existing pregnancy, usually up to 10–11 weeks of gestation.
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How it works:
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Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain a pregnancy.
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Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
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Timeframe: Used after a viable pregnancy is confirmed. We provide pregnancy confirmation services at no cost to you.
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Side effects include, but are not limited to:
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Cramping, bleeding, and contractions to expel the fetus
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Nausea or vomiting
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Hemorrhaging, blood clots, or ongoing bleeding requiring emergency care
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Headaches, fever, and infection from retained tissue
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Emotional trauma or regret, especially if unexpected complications arise alone at home, or you felt pressured into an abortion
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Incomplete abortion, which requires a surgical procedure
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What Is Natural Family Planning?
Natural Family Planning is a method of understanding and working with your body’s natural rhythms to either achieve or postpone pregnancy. Unlike artificial contraception, NFP respects the natural function of a woman’s body and does not involve synthetic hormones or barriers.
There are several methods of NFP, including:
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Sympto-Thermal Method: Tracks temperature, cervical mucus, and other signs.
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Creighton Model: Focuses on standardized cervical mucus observations.
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Billings Ovulation Method: Monitors changes in cervical secretions.
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Marquette Method: Uses fertility monitors alongside natural indicators.
Each method helps women identify their fertile and infertile times during their menstrual cycle.
Discerning the right time to grow your family or simply wanting to become more in tune with your health, Natural Family Planning (NFP) offers a safe, effective, and empowering approach.