http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/reproductive-sexual-health/Pages/sexual-health-resources.aspx;
Are emergency contraception pills the same as the "morning after pill"?
Yes. However, the words "morning after" are misleading, because emergency contraceptive pills can be used up to
72 hours after sex (or 120 hours after sex with a different emergency contraction pill called Ella), not just the next
morning.
Are emergency contraception pills the same as "abortion medications"?
No. Abortion medications are used to terminate an established pregnancy and must be prescribed by a doctor.
What are the side effects of using Plan B One-Step®?
When taken as directed, Plan B One-Step® is generally safe for women. Some women will have mild temporary side
effects that include: menstrual changes; nausea; lower stomach (abdominal) pain; tiredness; headache; dizziness;
breast pain; and vomiting. These are similar to the side effects that some women have when taking regular birth
control pills. Some women taking Plan B One-Step® will have menstrual changes such as spotting or bleeding before
their next period. Some women may have a heavier or lighter next period, or a period that is early or late. If you
experience severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy and should get immediate medical attention.
If your period is more than a week late, you should get a pregnancy test.
How do I know if Plan B One-Step® worked?
The only way of knowing whether Plan B One-Step® has worked is when you get your next period, which should
come at the expected time or within a week of the expected time. If your period is more than one week late, you may
be pregnant. If you have any questions or concerns, please be sure to call your physician or healthcare professional.
Keep in mind, Plan B One-Step® is less likely to work if:
You've already had unprotected sex or birth control failure earlier in your menstrual cycle
You have unprotected sex or birth control failure again in the same menstrual cycle after taking Plan B One-
Step®
You vomit within two hours of taking Plan B One-Step® (talk to your healthcare professional if this happens)
Where can I get Plan B One-Step®?
Plan B One-Step is sold on the shelf of drug stores (check the family planning aisle) with no age restrictions and no
prescription needed. Plan B One-Step® is also available at no cost and without a prescription in military pharmacies
(a DoD identification card is required, as with any health care service), and is available some on Navy ships.
Your future plans…
If you're sexually active, it is always a good idea to see a healthcare professional for routine checkups. Your
healthcare professional will talk to you about sexually transmitted infections, if necessary, test you for them, discuss
effective methods of regular birth control, and answer any other questions you may have.
Plan B One-Step® will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so use condoms along with your
chosen form of birth control if you’re worried about STIs.
Where can I get more information?
For detailed information, counseling, and access to birth control options, contact your health care provider. For
further information regarding contraception, visit the Sexual Health and Responsibility Program at:
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/reproductive-sexual-health/Pages/contraception.aspx
This information was adapted by the Sexual Health and Responsibility Program (SHARP), Navy and Marine Corps Public Health
Center from Hatcher et al (2011) Contraceptive Technology, 20th ed; Emergency Contraception, Kaiser Family Foundation fact sheet
(May 14, 2013); Princeton Univ, Emergency Contraception: A Last Chance to Prevent Unintended Pregnancy Trussell, Raymond,
Cleland, MPA, March 2016; http://ec.princeton.edu/questions/ec-review.pdf [accessed 15 April 2016