Plan B & Family Planning FAQs

At ClaraVita, we believe every woman deserves clear, compassionate, and comprehensive information to make informed choices about her health. One of the topics many women ask us about is Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill.” Whether you're facing an unexpected pregnancy scare or simply want to be informed, we’re here to help you understand the potential side effects, risks, and alternatives.

We can also provide information on other emergency contraceptives, the abortion pill, pregnancy options, STDs, and other reproductive health topics.

What Is Plan B (Levonorgestrel EC)?

Plan B One-Step® and generics are over-the-counter medications intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy before it starts, typically by delaying ovulation after sex without contraception or after a contraceptive failure (e.g., condom breaks). It is not intended for routine birth control.

If you’re already pregnant, levonorgestrel EC doesn’t end a pregnancy and is not effective.
Common side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and temporary changes in your next period (earlier/later or heavier/lighter).
EC does not protect against STIs.
The effectiveness of levonorgestrel may be lower with higher BMI.

Questions about your health history? Talk with a medical professional first.

What About ella® (Ulipristal)?

ella is a prescription-only emergency contraceptive that also works mainly by delaying ovulation. It should not be used if you know you are pregnant. After taking ella, starting or restarting hormonal birth control requires timing guidance from a clinician.

Are Emergency Contraceptives Safe?

If you are considering an emergency contraceptive, it's crucial to remember that all medications can have side effects. If you have any health conditions that may increase your risk of these side effects, it's important to consult with your doctor before taking Plan B, Julie, Ella, or any other emergency contraceptive. Your healthcare provider is here to support you in making the most informed decision for your health.

Emergency contraceptives do not treat or prevent STIs.

Already Pregnant?

If you might be pregnant from an earlier encounter, emergency contraception will not work. We can provide lab-quality pregnancy testing and, if positive, a limited ultrasound to confirm location, viability, and gestational age—key information for your health and next steps.

Emergency Contraception vs. The Abortion Pill

Emergency Contraception (Plan B / ella): taken before pregnancy is established to try to prevent ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy.

Abortion Pills (mifepristone + misoprostol): end an established intrauterine pregnancy, typically up to about 10–11 weeks under medical guidance. Use can involve cramping and bleeding; potential risks include incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, infection, and need for surgical follow-up. Being seen in person if you have symptoms or risk factors is important.

call us

What Is Natural Family Planning?

Natural Family Planning is a method of understanding and working with your body’s natural rhythms to either achieve or postpone pregnancy. Unlike artificial contraception, NFP respects the natural function of a woman’s body and does not involve synthetic hormones or barriers.

There are several methods of NFP, including:

Sympto-Thermal Method: Tracks temperature, cervical mucus, and other signs.
Creighton Model: Focuses on standardized cervical mucus observations.
Billings Ovulation Method: Monitors changes in cervical secretions.
Marquette Method: Uses fertility monitors alongside natural indicators.

Each method helps women identify their fertile and infertile times during their menstrual cycle.

Discerning the right time to grow your family or simply wanting to become more in tune with your health, Natural Family Planning (NFP) offers a safe, effective, and empowering approach.

What birth control methods prevent pregnancy but not STDs?

1. Hormonal Methods

Birth control pills
Patch
Vaginal ring (NuvaRing)
Birth control shot (Depo-Provera)
Implant (Nexplanon)
Hormonal IUD
These prevent ovulation or change the uterine lining, but they do not block or kill viruses or bacteria that cause STDs.

2. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Copper IUD (non-hormonal)
Hormonal IUD

3. Barrier Methods (Not All)

Diaphragms
Cervical caps
Spermicides

4. Permanent Methods

Tubal ligation (for women)
Vasectomy (for men)

Condoms, when used correctly and consistently, can reduce the risk of both pregnancy and STDs, including HIV. However, 13 out of 100 couples using male condoms (13% failure rate) as their only birth control method for a year will experience a pregnancy, and female condoms have a 21% failure rate.

The only way to prevent STDs and an unexpected pregnancy 100% of the time is to abstain from sexual intercourse. Looking for more information? ClaraVita does not provide birth control; however, we can provide education on NPP, preventing pregnancies and STDs, and your options if you’re facing a pregnancy decision. Contact us to learn more.

We’re Here for You

If you’re weighing your options or unsure about timing, we can help you get the facts about your body today—confidentially and at no cost. Call to schedule a test and ultrasound.