Plan B One-Step and similar generic products contain levonorgestrel, a form of emergency contraception. These pills can reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure.

Confusion about how Plan B works can prevent people from using it when it may be helpful.

What Does Plan B Do?

Plan B primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation. If an egg is not released, sperm cannot fertilize it.

It does not end an established pregnancy. Plan B is not the same as medication abortion, and it will not cause an abortion if someone is already pregnant.

It also does not affect future fertility.

When Might Emergency Contraception Be Needed?

Emergency contraception may be considered after:

• Sex without contraception
• A condom breaking or slipping
• Missed birth control pills
• A delayed injection
• A diaphragm or cervical cap moving out of place
• Sexual assault
• Uncertainty about whether contraception was used correctly

Plan B works best when taken as soon as possible. Its effectiveness decreases with time.

Other emergency contraception options may remain effective for up to five days after unprotected sex. These include prescription ulipristal acetate and certain IUDs placed by a healthcare professional.

Myth: Plan B Works the Same at Any Time in the Cycle

Because levonorgestrel mainly works by delaying ovulation, it may not be effective if ovulation has already occurred.

Most people cannot identify the exact day of ovulation with certainty. Taking emergency contraception promptly is generally better than waiting.

Myth: Plan B Protects Against Future Sex

Plan B only addresses the recent episode of unprotected sex. It does not provide reliable contraception for sexual activity later in the cycle.

Use condoms or begin an appropriate ongoing birth control method according to medical guidance.

Myth: Plan B Protects Against Sexually Transmitted Infections

Emergency contraception does not prevent HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Testing, condoms, and timely medical evaluation may be needed after possible exposure. Some preventive treatments are time sensitive.

What Side Effects Can Occur?

Temporary side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal discomfort
• Spotting
• A period that arrives earlier or later than expected

If vomiting occurs soon after taking the medication, contact a pharmacist or healthcare provider because another dose may be needed.

When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than approximately one week later than expected or if three weeks have passed since using emergency contraception and you have not had a normal period.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding.

Weight and Medication Considerations

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception may be less effective at higher body weights. Certain medications and supplements can also reduce its effectiveness.

A pharmacist or healthcare provider can help determine whether ulipristal acetate or an IUD may be a better option.

Emergency contraception is backup care, not something to feel ashamed about. Women’s Health and Menopause Center can help patients understand their options and choose an ongoing contraceptive method that fits their health needs.

The post Plan B Explained: What Emergency Contraception Does and Does Not Do appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Can You Still Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?

Perimenopause can make menstrual cycles unpredictable, but an irregular period does not necessarily mean that ovulation has stopped. Pregnancy is still possible until menopause is reached.

This distinction is important whether you want to become pregnant or want to avoid pregnancy.

Why Pregnancy Can Still Occur

During perimenopause, the ovaries may release eggs less consistently. You might skip one or more periods and then ovulate during a later cycle.

Because ovulation may happen before your next period, it can be difficult to know when fertility has returned. Cycle-tracking applications and ovulation kits may also become less reliable when cycles are irregular.

If your period is late or you have symptoms that could indicate pregnancy, take a pregnancy test and contact your provider when needed.

When Is Menopause Reached?

Natural menopause is generally identified after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period when no other medical explanation is present. Until that point, pregnancy may remain possible.

Women who are using hormonal birth control may not be able to use bleeding patterns alone to determine whether menopause has occurred. Your OB-GYN can help you decide how long contraception should continue.

Contraception During Perimenopause

Birth control needs do not disappear simply because periods become irregular. Available options may include:

• Birth control pills
• Progestin-only pills
• Hormonal or nonhormonal IUDs
• Implants
• Barrier methods
• Permanent contraception

Some hormonal methods may also help with heavy bleeding, cramping, or other perimenopause symptoms. The safest choice depends on your blood pressure, smoking history, migraine history, cancer risks, cardiovascular health, and personal preferences.

Schedule a consultation through our gynecology department to discuss contraception that fits your stage of life.

Trying to Conceive During Perimenopause

Fertility declines with age because both egg number and egg quality change over time. That does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but it does mean that early guidance can be valuable.

Women older than 35 are generally advised to seek a fertility evaluation after six months of regular intercourse without pregnancy. Evaluation may be recommended sooner for women older than 40 or for anyone with irregular ovulation, endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery, or other known concerns.

Pregnancy and Health Planning

Pregnancy at a later reproductive age may involve additional prenatal screening and monitoring. A preconception visit can help you:

• Review medications and supplements
• Begin an appropriate prenatal vitamin
• Discuss chronic health conditions
• Update vaccines
• Review genetic screening choices
• Address blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid concerns

Perimenopause can involve changes in fertility, contraception needs, and hormone-related symptoms at the same time. A personalized conversation can help you make informed decisions without relying on assumptions based only on age or cycle changes.

Learn more about perimenopause and menopause or request an appointment at Women’s Health and Menopause Center.

The post Can You Still Get Pregnant During Perimenopause? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

The right or best birth control method differs from person to person. The right birth control is the one that most fits into your lifestyle and most effectively prevents pregnancy for you

What should you consider?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the “right” birth control. Some of them include:

Degree on Effectiveness

More than 99% effective

• Contraceptive implants
• Hormonal and copper intrauterine device (IUD)
• Female sterilization
• Male sterilization

More than 99% effective if used correctly, but less than 95% effective with typical use

• Contraceptive injection
• Oral pills (either combined pill or progestin-only pill)
• Contraceptive patch
• Vaginal ring

98% effective if used correctly

• Male condom

95% effective if used correctly

• Female condom

92-96% effective if used correctly

• Diaphragm or cap

Frequency of use

Permanent

• Male sterilization
• Female sterilization

Long-acting

• Contraceptive implant (every three years)
• Hormonal IUD (every five years)
• Copper IUD (every 5 to 10 years)

Every 2 to 3 months

• Contraceptive implant

Every month

• Vaginal month

Every week

• Contraceptive patch

Daily basis

• Oral contraceptive pill (the combined pills can be taken every day for three weeks with a week off each month).

Every time you have sex

• Male condom
• Female condom
• Diaphragm or cap

 Will you need skilled help?

You will need a health professional to help you with the following birth control methods:

• Contraceptive implant
• Hormonal and copper IUD

Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

If you want your birth control methods also to protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you may be looking at:

• Male and female condoms

Other things to consider include:

• Mode of action
• Your weight
• If you smoke
• Partner(s)’ preferences
• Cost
• Side-effects
• Future plans for a child

You can talk to your doctor or health provider to provide details on whatever concerns you have about choosing the right birth control.

The post What Birth Control is Right For You appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

It may not sound romantic but it is important to celebrate Valentine’s Day safely, with no unwanted STDs or unplanned pregnancies. If you or your partner have multiple partners and they are male, always make sure they use a condom, and if monogamous still use birth control. There are so many convenient options to suit your lifestyle, including oral contraception, patch, ring, or IUDs. Make an appointment with your Women’s Health gynecologist to see which is right for you.

The post Valentine’s Day Romance appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

A photo of a newborn baby holding his mother’s intrauterine device (IUD) has been making its way around the internet. The photograph was staged by the mother as a joke (no, the baby was not born with the IUD in his hand). This brings up questions about how much most adults know about IUDs and their effectiveness as birth control.

What are IUDs?

An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. Multiple types are available, each working a little differently.

• Mirena IUD

This IUD, the same type seen in the baby photo, releases low levels of progestin levonorgestrel over a five year period to stop pregnancy.

• ParaGard IUD

The ParaGard IUD is also known as the Copper T 380A. It is made of plastic wrapped in copper. This allows it to release small quantities of copper over 10 years to prevent pregnancy.

• Skyla IUD

Skyla is a mini IUD that’s similar to the Mirena model. This one works over a three year period.

• Kyleena IUD

The Kyleena IUD is the same size as Skyla but contains more progestin. It works for up to five years.

Benefits of Using IUDs for Birth Control

IUDs are very effective as birth control for several reasons. When properly implanted, the device can be over 99% effective. Other benefits include:

• IUDs are convenient and require no pills
• Hormonal IUDs can reduce the side effects of periods
• IUDs are reversible, so no permanent decision has to be made
• Available in non-hormonal copper version
• Copper IUD works as emergency birth control for up to 120 hours after intercourse

Risks of Using IUDs

IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. There is a low risk of perforation and embedding. Some women also experience side effects from the hormones in the Mirena IUD.

To learn more about IUD’s and to find the best birth control option(s) for you and your lifestyle, make an appointment with your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OBGYN.

The post Intrauterine Device (IUD) Benefits & Risks appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.