Plan B poll

Q&A on the morning-after pill
WASHINGTON (AP) — People waiting for the government to finally make a decision on whether to allow sales of emergency contraception — often called the morning-after pill or Plan B — without a prescription will have to wait a little longer.
The Food and Drug Administration put off a ruling Friday, saying questions remained on how to keep the pill out of the hands of teenagers.

Some questions and answers about emergency contraception:

Q: What is the morning-after pill?

A: It's a high dose of the hormone used in regular birth control pills, to be used as a backup contraceptive after rape, a broken condom or unprotected sex. The brand name now sold by prescription in the United States is Plan B.

Q: How is it used?

A: Plan B consists of two pills. The first one is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, although the sooner it's taken, the better it works. The second pill is taken 12 hours after the first.

Q: Why can Plan B work so long after sex?

A: Sperm can live in a woman's reproductive tract for several days. If she happens to ovulate while the sperm are still viable, she could become pregnant.

Q: How effective is it?

A: It cuts the chance of pregnancy by up to 89% if taken in the first three days after sex. There is some research suggesting it may work within five days, but the FDA hasn't approved that claim.

Q: How does the morning-after pill work?

A: Plan B's hormone, called levonorgestrel, prevents ovulation. If ovulation already has occurred, it prevents fertilization of the egg. It also may prevent the egg from implanting into the uterus, the medical definition of pregnancy, although recent research suggests that's not likely.

Q: Is it safe?

A: The FDA says the quick-ending hormone dose doesn't cause serious problems like blood clots that longtime use of regular hormonal contraception sometimes does. The main side effect is nausea; Anyone who vomits within an hour of taking either Plan B tablet is instructed to check with her doctor to see if she needs a repeat dose.

Q: What if a woman who is already pregnant takes it?

A: The morning-after pill won't have any effect; it cannot terminate a pregnancy.

Q: Could it be used as regular contraception?

A: It's not recommended. Regular birth-control pills are more effective at preventing pregnancy -- 99%. Also, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Also, each one-time dose of Plan B costs about as much as a whole month's supply of regular birth-control pills, $20 to $30.

Multiple questions on this method