Unprotected sex: plan B

What would you do if your condom broke while having sex? Or say you had sex and forgot to take your birth control pill? Emergency Contraception, or EC, is a form of birth control that women can use after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. This week's article will cover Plan B and how it can be helpful because, after all, accidents happen.

EC is essentially like a birth control pill; it can range between one to 12 pills that contains the hormone, progestin and it is taken within 5 days or 120 hours after having genital intercourse. Plan B One-Step, the most popular brand of EC, consists of only one pill that is taken immediately. after sex.While pills with more than one dose must be taken 12 hours apart (take the first dose, then the second dose 12 hours later). The pills prevent eggs from dropping and prevent fertilization, thicken the cervical mucus to block sperm and thin the uterus walls to prevent fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterus and developing into a baby.

A misunderstanding that many make is that EC can cause abortions. Emergency Contraception cannot cause an abortion or harm the baby if you're already pregnant.

In regards to efficacy, the sooner you take EC the more effective it is in preventing pregnancy. According to Planned Parenthood, the two main brands of EC, Plan B One - Step and Next Choice, reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent if started within three days or 72 hours after having unprotected sex. EC does not prevent contracting STDs, so always have an STD test administered if you've had unprotected sex. Side effects are roughly the same as birth control pills. The most prominent symptoms that may occur after taking EC include nausea, vomiting and a change in your period, either lighter or heavier, and it could come sooner or later than expected. Your doctor should address any medical concerns involving EC.

I also caution readers not to use EC as the first form of birth control when having sex. Condoms and birth control pills are safe and more effective forms of birth control, while EC should only be used in case of an emergency. Most drugstores offer EC behind the counter. All you need is a driver's license and cash to purchase the pills, which costs $10 to $70. Health centers also carry EC. Check with your local health department or medical center to see if they offer EC. If you are 17 or older, you can obtain EC without a prescription. Those under the age of 17 must have a doctor's prescription.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please email me at suzysextalk@gmail.com. Next week we'll discuss sexual safety and spring break. Have a great week!