Understanding How Plan B Works
Plan B’s Intended Use and Active Ingredients
Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is an emergency contraceptive designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a condom breaking.
The active ingredient in Plan B is a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel; it is a type of progestin used in various forms of birth control.
It is important to note that Plan B should not be used as a regular form of contraception, but rather as a backup option after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
The pill is most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 12 to 24 hours after the incident, with a 95% effectiveness rate during that window.
The effectiveness decreases to around 89% when taken within 72 hours.
The Mechanism of Emergency Contraception
Plan B primarily works by preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary.
Without ovulation, there is no egg available for sperm to fertilize, thus preventing pregnancy.
Additionally, Plan B may also alter the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive for a fertilized egg to implant.
However, if an egg has already been released and fertilized, Plan B will not be effective in preventing pregnancy.
This is why timing is crucial when it comes to emergency contraception.
It is important to take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex to maximize its effectiveness.
In summary, Plan B serves as an emergency contraceptive option for those who have had unprotected sex or experienced contraceptive failures.
It is most effective when taken within 12 to 24 hours after unprotected intercourse and works primarily by preventing ovulation and altering the uterine lining.
It is important to use Plan B only as a backup measure and not as a primary form of birth control.
Effects and Risks when Men Take Plan B
Immediate Bodily Responses and Side Effects
Though Plan B is intended solely for women, men who accidentally ingest this emergency contraceptive might experience some side effects.
For instance, one man who mistook his friend’s Plan B for Ambien reported having a stomach ache and orange-tinted urine, but the majority of his symptoms were psychological.
In general, if a man takes birth control pills that contain hormones (estrogen and progestin), he may experience side effects such as nausea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.
There’s also a possibility of mood changes, including fluctuations in libido or sex drive.
Men might be affected by these side effects because hormonal birth control pills are designed to mimic and regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.
They’re not intended for men, so they might cause an imbalance in the delicate hormonal system1.
Long-Term Health Considerations
Although taking one or two birth control pills likely won’t result in lasting effects for men, repeated ingestion could potentially lead to health problems.
Hormonal birth control pills regulate female hormones, which might cause hormone imbalances in men if taken habitually.
This hormonal imbalance could lead to weight gain, fatigue, or mood changes2.
However, it’s essential to note that there is currently no male birth control pill on the market.
Men taking birth control pills may face certain health risks, and the pills would be ineffective in preventing pregnancies3.
Consequently, they’re not a viable contraceptive option for men.
In conclusion, while taking one or two birth control pills is unlikely to have significant long-term effects on men, it’s crucial to recognize that the pills are specifically designed for women and will not work for men.
If a man does accidentally ingest a birth control pill, he may experience some immediate, albeit temporary side effects.
It’s crucial for both men and women to use appropriate contraceptive methods and consult with medical professionals for guidance.