Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Plan B is also known as the “morning-after pill” or the “day-after pill”. It is a hormone-based pill that works by preventing or delaying ovulation, and can also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
The history of the discovery of Plan B dates back to the 1970s, when scientists first began researching the use of emergency contraception. In the 1980s, the first clinical trials of emergency contraception were conducted in France. In the 1990s, the first emergency contraceptive pill was approved for use in the United States. Since then, Plan B has become the most commonly used emergency contraceptive in the United States.
The active ingredients in Plan B are levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progestin. Other names for levonorgestrel include Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way. Plan B is available over-the-counter without a prescription for individuals over the age of 17.
Plan B can be a useful form of contraception in certain situations, such as when a condom breaks or when other forms of contraception fail. It is important to note, however, that Plan B is not a regular form of birth control and should not be used as such. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
There are also some disadvantages to using Plan B. One of the most common side effects is nausea, which can be severe in some cases. Other side effects may include headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, and irregular menstrual bleeding. It is also important to note that Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In summary, Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that can be used to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, and is available over-the-counter without a prescription for individuals over the age of 17. Plan B can be a useful form of contraception in certain situations, but it is important to note that it has some disadvantages and does not protect against STIs.