---
title: What to know about emergency contraception
description: Learn about emergency contraception options like Plan B and ella® at Radiance Women’s Center in Beaufort, SC. Find out how they work, their risks, and effectiveness.
image: https://radiancewomenscenter.com/hubfs/iStock-1468360974.jpg
---

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# What to know about emergency contraception

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###### WHAT TO DO BEFORE ABORTION IN BEAUFORT, SC

Radiance Women’s Center in Beaufort, South Carolina, provides information on emergency contraception and other sexual health-related issues. If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or the condom broke, you might be feeling anxious about the possibility of pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is any type of birth control used after unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure (e.g. a broken condom) to attempt to prevent pregnancy.

Commonly sold as Plan B One-Step and ella®, these emergency contraceptives may reduce the chance of pregnancy. These medications are reported to work in several possible ways: Delaying ovulation, blocking sperm from joining with an egg, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting – some may consider this a very early abortion.1,2,3,4

Emergency contraception does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and there are potential risks and side effects to be considered.4

 

> Have questions and need answers now? Text our certified nurse 24/7 at [(843) 892-6193](sms:+18438926193). It's always free and confidential!

 

#### WHAT IS THE MORNING-AFTER PILL?

The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception in Beaufort, South Carolina. Emergency contraception is any type of birth control used after unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure (e.g. a broken condom) to attempt to prevent pregnancy. One of the most common ones is a pill called Plan B One-Step®.

**How well does the morning-after pill work?**

Not as well as was originally advertised. It is intended for use within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.1,2

Studies done since it was released over the counter say that “it is more effective than nothing.”3

  
**Should I take the morning-after pill?**

You can only become pregnant on certain days of the month, around the time that you ovulate. Taking the morning-after pill during a time when you cannot become pregnant needlessly exposes you to a large dose of hormones and costs you money.

If you are already pregnant from an earlier sexual encounter, taking the morning-after pill is of no value and may cause unpleasant side effects.4

  
**Can the morning-after pill cause an abortion?**

Taking Plan B One-Step® after fertilization has taken place may prevent the newly formed life from settling into the uterus and continuing to grow, which some consider a form of early abortion.5,6,7

  
**What are the side effects and risks?**

Like any medication, risks and side effects are not the same for everyone who takes the morning-after pill. Plan B One-Step® can cause nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, heavier menstrual bleeding, and dizziness.8

 

> Prefer to talk to someone? Text our certified nurse 24/7 at [(843) 892-6193](sms:+18438926193). It's always free and confidential!

 

#### WHAT IS ELLA®?

 

ella® is a form of emergency contraception – a type of birth control to be used within five days after unprotected intercourse or suspected contraceptive failure (e.g. a broken condom) to attempt to prevent pregnancy.1 It is available by prescription only, and your doctor should rule out pregnancy before prescribing ella®.2

 

**Is ella® effective?**

If ella® is taken as directed, it will reduce the chance of pregnancy, but it is not effective in every case.3

 

**Should I take ella® (ulipristal)?**

You can only become pregnant on certain days of the month — around the time that you ovulate. Taking ella® during a time when you cannot become pregnant needlessly exposes you to a drug for which there is much that is unknown.4

 

**Can ella® cause an abortion?**

 

Taking ella® after fertilization has taken place may prevent the newly formed life from settling into the uterus and continuing to grow, which some consider a form of early abortion.5,6

 

There is something else to know about ella®. Unlike Plan B, ella® is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill Mifeprex™. Both have the ability to damage the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, causing its death.7,8

 

This effect on growing pregnancies was not tested in women, however a higher dose of ella® did cause abortions in pregnant animals, including monkeys, and carries the same potential in humans.9,10

 

**Does ella® have side effects and risks?**  
There are reports of liver failure among women who have been given ulipristal to shrink their fibroids.11

 

> **Gain support that's always free.** Text our certified nurse 24/7 at [(843) 892-6193](sms:+18438926193) to set up an appointment or have your questions answered. 

 

 

---

##### REFERENCES

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

1. Physicians Desk Reference. (2020). Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions… from PDR.net. Retrieved from [https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Plan-B-One-Step-levonorgestrel-573](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Plan-B-One-Step-levonorgestrel-573)

2. Food & Drug Administration. (2010). Ella full prescribing information. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Accessed on February 5, 2020 from [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf)

3. Larimore, W. L. (2000). The abortifacient effect of the birth control pill and the principle of the ‘double effect. Ethics & Medicine, 16(1), 23-30.

4. WEBSTER v. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES,” The Oyez Project at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, accessed June 21, 2014, [http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1988/1988\_88\_605/](http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1988/1988_88_605/)

WHAT IS THE MORNING-AFTER PILL

1. Foundation Consumer Healthcare. (2019). Plan B FAQs: What is Plan B? Retrieved February 12, 2020, from [https://www.planbonestep.com/faqs/](https://www.planbonestep.com/faqs/)

2. Physicians Desk Reference. (2020). Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) Dosage and Indications from PDR.net. Retrieved from [https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Plan-B-One-Step-levonorgestrel-573#5](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Plan-B-One-Step-levonorgestrel-573#5)

3. Trussell, J., Raymond, E., Cleland, K. (2019, January). Emergency contraception: A last chance to prevent unintended pregnancy. Retrieved from [http://ec.princeton.edu/questions/ec-review.pdf](http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/pr1df16)

4. Foundation Consumer Healthcare. (2019). Plan B Onestep Side Effects. Retrieved February 12, 2020, from [https://www.planbonestep.com/faqs/](https://www.planbonestep.com/faqs/)

5. Physicians Desk Reference. (2020). Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) Mechanism of Action from PDR.net. Retrieved from [https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Plan-B-One-Step-levonorgestrel-573#14](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Plan-B-One-Step-levonorgestrel-573#14)

6. Larimore, W. L. (2000). The abortifacient effect of the birth control pill and the principle of the ‘double effect.’ Ethics & Medicine, 16(1), 23-30.

7. WEBSTER v. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES,” The Oyez Project at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, accessed June 21, 2014, [http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1988/1988\_88\_605/](http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1988/1988_88_605/) .

8. Foundation Consumer Healthcare. (2019). Plan B Onestep Side Effects. Retrieved February 12, 2020, from [https://www.planbonestep.com/how-plan-b-works/](https://www.planbonestep.com/how-plan-b-works/)

WHAT IS ELLA®

1A. Food & Drug Administration. (2010). Ella full prescribing information. 1. Indications. Accessed on February 5, 2020 from [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf)

1B. Afaxys. (2019, May 14). Ella® | Emergency Contraceptive | Info for Health Care Professionals. Ellanow.com. Retrieved February 4, 2020, from [https://ellanow.com/hcp](https://ellanow.com/hcp)

1C. Morning-After Pill | Emergency Contraception | ella®. (2015, December 23). Retrieved February 5, 2020, from [https://ellanow.com/](https://ellanow.com/)  FAQs: What is ella?

2. Food & Drug Administration. (2010). Ella full prescribing information. 4. Contraindications. Accessed on February 5, 2020 from [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf)

3. Morning-After Pill | Emergency Contraception | ella®. (2015, December 23). Retrieved February 5, 2020, from [https://ellanow.com/](https://ellanow.com/)  How effective is ella?

4. Food & Drug Administration. (2010). Ella full prescribing information. 8.4 Pediatric use. Accessed on February 5, 2020 from [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf)

5. Food & Drug Administration. (2010). Ella full prescribing information. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Accessed on February 5, 2020 from [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf)

6. Larimore, W. L. (2000). The abortifacient effect of the birth control pill and the principle of the ‘double effect. Ethics & Medicine, 16(1), 23-30.

7. Food & Drug Administration. (2010). Ella full prescribing information. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Accessed on February 5, 2020 from [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf)

8. Harrison, D. J., & Mitroka, J. G. (2010). Defining reality: The potential role of pharmacists in assessing the impact of progesterone receptor modulators and misoprostol in reproductive health.The Annals of Pharmacotherapy,45(1), 115-19.

9. Food & Drug Administration. (2010). Ella full prescribing information. 8.1 Pregnancy. Accessed on February 5, 2020 from [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022474s000lbl.pdf)

10. Larner JM, Reel JR, Blye RP. (2000) Circulating concentrations of the antiprogestins CDB-2914 and mifepristone in the female rhesus monkey following various routes of administration. Hum Reprod.15(5): 1100-06.

11. Donnez, J., Arriagada, P., Marciniak, M., & Larrey, D. (2018). Liver safety parameters of ulipristal acetate for the treatment of uterine fibroids: a comprehensive review of the clinical development program. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 17(12), 1225-1232. doi:10.1080/14740338.2018.1550070

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