Can telemedicine treat Emergency Contraception (Plan B)?

Audience: pediatric

Emergency contraception, often called Plan B, is a way to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Telemedicine can often help by providing quick access to advice and sometimes prescribing emergency contraception pills. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible, generally within 72 hours. Telemedicine visits can guide young people on how to use emergency contraception safely and what to expect. However, telemedicine cannot provide the medication directly in all cases, and some situations may require in-person care. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help immediately. Telemedicine offers a convenient option for many but is not a replacement for urgent or emergency care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours — seek emergency care.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding soaking through two or more pads per hour for several hours — seek emergency care.
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing information about emergency contraception options and timing.
• Assessing eligibility for emergency contraception based on your health and history.
• Prescribing emergency contraception pills when appropriate and legal.
• Answering questions about side effects and what to expect.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Providing emergency contraception pills directly during the visit in all regions.
• Performing pregnancy tests or other physical exams that require in-person visits.
• Managing severe symptoms such as heavy bleeding or severe pain that require urgent care.
• Diagnosing or treating other medical conditions that may mimic pregnancy or complications.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is a method to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular birth control didn’t work. Plan B is a common pill used for this purpose. It works best when taken quickly, usually within 72 hours after sex.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can assess your situation and decide if emergency contraception is appropriate. They can explain how to use the pill, discuss possible side effects, and answer your questions. In many cases, they can send a prescription to a pharmacy near you.

When Telemedicine May Not Be Enough

If you have severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, or think you might be pregnant already, telemedicine might not be enough. You may need to see a healthcare provider in person for tests or other treatments.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, have ready information about when you had unprotected sex, any medications you are taking, allergies, and your menstrual cycle. Find a private, quiet place with a reliable internet or phone connection to talk openly with your provider.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the instructions your provider gives you about taking the emergency contraception pill. Watch for side effects like nausea or vomiting. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, contact your provider as you may need another dose.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding soaking through more than two pads per hour for several hours, fever, dizziness, or allergic reactions like swelling or difficulty breathing, get emergency medical care right away.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Know the date and time of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
• List any medications you are currently taking and any allergies.
• Have information about your menstrual cycle, including the date of your last period.
• Find a private, quiet place with good internet or phone connection for the visit.
• Prepare any questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Take the emergency contraception pill exactly as instructed by your provider.
• Monitor for common side effects such as nausea or mild abdominal pain.
• If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the pill, contact your provider immediately.
• Watch for any red-flag symptoms like heavy bleeding or severe pain and seek emergency care if they occur.
• Follow up with a healthcare provider if your next period is more than a week late or if you have concerns.

FAQs

How soon after unprotected sex should I take emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception works best when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. Some types may work up to 5 days, but earlier use is more effective.

Can I get emergency contraception through telemedicine?

Often, yes. Telemedicine providers can evaluate your situation and prescribe emergency contraception pills which you can pick up at a pharmacy or sometimes receive by mail. Availability depends on local regulations.

Are there any side effects of emergency contraception?

Common side effects may include nausea, tiredness, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, or changes in your next period. These usually go away on their own shortly after taking the pill.

What if I vomit after taking the emergency contraception pill?

If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it might not have been absorbed properly. Contact your healthcare provider as you may need to take another dose.

Does emergency contraception protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

No, emergency contraception does not protect against STIs. Using condoms is the best way to reduce the risk of STIs.

Sources

1. Emergency Contraception — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Emergency Contraception — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Emergency Contraception: What You Should Know — Mayo Clinic.
4. Emergency Contraception — FamilyDoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, or if you are unsure about your condition, please seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.