Emergency Contraception Norcross, GA
When “Bang-ups and Hang-ups” Happen to You
In the immortal words of Dr. Seuss, “I’m sorry to say…but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.” 
Sometimes these “bang-ups and hang-ups” come in the form of an unprotected sexual encounter. If “Plan A” is to avoid pregnancy, the activation of “Plan B” may become necessary. Marriam Webster defines “Plan B” as “an alternative plan of action for use if the original plan should fail.” When it comes to pregnancy avoidance, women often opt to use emergency contraception as their “Plan B.”
Emergency contraception is birth control intended for use after having unprotected sex. Ideally, it should be taken within 3 to 5 days of doing so. Progesterone-only pills like Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, After Pill, Take Action, and My Way are roughly 87% effective in preventing pregnancy. The ingredients in the Ella pill are more effective in preventing pregnancy and may be taken up to 5 days after sexual intercourse. However, Ella does require a prescription from a medical provider. Regardless of brand, research shows that these pills become less effective in women heavier than 165 pounds and are not recommended for women above this weight.
Before making a decision to use emergency contraception in Norcross GA, certain considerations should be taken into account to determine if this is the right course of action for you.
- Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, emergency contraception may not work at all. If you have sex while you are ovulating, waiting several days to take emergency contraception could be too late.
- If you think you’re already pregnant, emergency contraceptives like those listed above will not work.
- Side effects like nausea, mild stomach pain, and headache may be experienced after taking emergency contraception. Occasionally, spotting may occur, or you may experience a disruption in your normal menstrual cycle.
- Taking emergency contraception does not stop ovulation; it only delays it.
Emergency birth control is all about timing. If you wait too long, you might miss the window during which the pill can be effective. Another consideration is that if you have taken emergency contraceptive and you have unprotected sex again in the same cycle, the likelihood of becoming pregnant increases due to disruption of your cycle. - Emergency contraception does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
- Choosing to refrain from having sex is the only means by which pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections can be avoided with 100 percent effectiveness. No matter what precautions are taken, no form of contraception is completely fail-proof.
If you would like more information about this topic, are facing an unintended pregnancy, or concerned about exposure to STIs, the staff at Obria Medical Clinics near Norcross, GA is available to answer your questions. They will provide you with evidence-based information in a safe, non-judgmental, and completely confidential space so that you are able to make informed decisions.
You do not have to walk through this alone. We are here to help. To schedule an appointment with us, call or text 770-338-1680