Plan B One-Step is a form of emergency contraception containing the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel, designed to be taken after unprotected sexual intercourse or when a primary birth control method has failed. Many individuals are concerned about its safety, particularly whether it might lead to an ectopic pregnancy. This article addresses this specific question by examining the pill’s mechanism of action, clarifying the medical evidence on its link to ectopic pregnancy, and detailing the signs that require immediate medical attention.
How Plan B Prevents Pregnancy
Plan B functions as a high-dose progestin pill, delivering levonorgestrel to the body. The primary way this hormone prevents pregnancy is by interfering with the process of ovulation, temporarily delaying or inhibiting the release of an egg from the ovary. The effectiveness of the pill is directly related to when it is taken; if the egg has already been released, the pill is much less likely to prevent pregnancy. Crucially, Plan B is not an abortion pill and will not end an established pregnancy, as it has no direct effect on a fertilized egg that has already implanted in the uterine wall.
Clarifying the Link Between Plan B and Ectopic Pregnancy
The direct answer is that Plan B does not cause an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This condition is a medical complication that can occur in any pregnancy. If the contraception fails and a pregnancy still occurs, that resulting pregnancy carries the same baseline risk of being ectopic as any other pregnancy. Medical studies confirm that levonorgestrel does not increase this risk; by preventing pregnancy, the pill actually decreases the overall number of ectopic pregnancies. If a patient becomes pregnant after taking Plan B, a healthcare provider will confirm the location to rule out ectopic implantation, as any pregnancy carries this inherent risk.
Recognizing the Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy
Recognizing the signs of an ectopic pregnancy is essential, as it is a medical emergency. Initial signs may resemble normal early pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period or nausea. However, specific and concerning symptoms develop as the misplaced embryo grows. Early warning signs include light vaginal bleeding or spotting that is different from a normal period, often accompanied by pelvic pain. This pain may feel sharp, come and go, and is often located on one side of the lower abdomen.
Signs of Rupture
If the fallopian tube ruptures, the symptoms become sudden and severe, indicating a life-threatening complication. Signs of rupture include extreme, sharp, and intense abdominal pain, often accompanied by symptoms of internal bleeding. These emergency signs can include severe lightheadedness, fainting, and shoulder pain, which is referred pain caused by blood irritating nerves under the diaphragm.
When to Seek Medical Attention After Taking Plan B
While Plan B is generally safe, specific situations after taking the pill warrant contacting a healthcare provider. The most common side effect is a change in the timing or flow of your next menstrual period. If your period is more than one week later than expected, take a pregnancy test to confirm the pill’s success. Urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if focused on one side, within three to five weeks of taking the pill.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour for two or more hours.
- Any bleeding accompanied by dizziness or fainting.
These symptoms can indicate an ectopic pregnancy or another complication.