Are you in the process of choosing and OB/GYN? Check out these 8 questions that will help you get it...
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You had unprotected sex and were worried about pregnancy, so you took a Plan B. It’s readily available over the counter in a drug store and it seems to be pretty effective at preventing a pregnancy if taken as directed. But . . . now it’s time for your cycle to come and it has NOT. You’re so worried that your plan B failed that you find yourself wondering if you need to schedule a pregnancy test to make sure you’re not pregnant.
So, what happened? Here are the most common reasons why Plan B might fail:
1. Timing. Plan B works best when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. So, after that timeframe, the effectiveness decreased dramatically, meaning there’s a greater chance Plan B failed to prevent a pregnancy.
Also, the timing in relation to your menstrual cycle is extremely important. Plan B works by delaying or preventing ovulation. If you have already ovulated, it will not work. It’s important to know and understand your own menstrual cycle.
2. Weight. Studies suggest that Plan B is less effective in women with a BMI over 30, or weighing over 165 pounds.
3. Vomiting. If a person vomits within 2 hours of taking the medication, the dose will need to be repeated.
4. Drug Interactions. There are some medications and supplements that can affect the way Plan B works. You should speak with a pharmacist about any medications you’re taking before using Plan B.
The most reliable sign that the Plan B failed is a missed period and a positive pregnancy test. Plan B’s effectiveness rate is about 84%, so that can give you a 16% chance that pregnancy occurred.
The other thing you need to understand is that Plan B does not protect you from STIs. Regular testing with each new sexual partner is so important to protect your reproductive health. This is important for your health even if you don’t think Plan B failed to protect you from getting pregnant.
If you think your Plan B failed, the first call you should make is to Alcove Health Women’s Clinic. We offer options consultations with a trained advocate, medical consults with a Registered Nurse, STI testing and possible same day ultrasounds.
Processing your pregnancy in a nonjudgmental atmosphere and gaining accurate medical information is so valuable when making a pregnancy decision. Here at Alcove Health, we are knowledgeable about so many community resources and can help you walk through each step of this decision process.
Call or click here to make your free and confidential appointment today!
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