How to prepare for a video visit about Emergency Contraception (Plan B)

Audience: pediatric

Emergency contraception, often called Plan B, is a medicine used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you learn if emergency contraception is right for you and how to use it safely. During the visit, you can ask questions and get advice without needing to go to a clinic in person. Preparing for your video visit can make the conversation easier and faster. Remember, emergency contraception works best when taken as soon as possible after sex, usually within 72 hours. This guide will help you get ready for your video visit, understand what to expect, and know when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping that worsens rapidly — seek emergency care immediately.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through one or more pads per hour for several hours) — get urgent medical help.
• Signs of allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, or rash — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing information about emergency contraception options and timing.
• Answering questions about how to take emergency contraception and possible side effects.
• Discussing general sexual health and contraception planning.
• Evaluating if emergency contraception is appropriate based on your history.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating serious complications like ectopic pregnancy or severe allergic reactions.
• Performing physical exams or laboratory tests.
• Prescribing controlled substances or treatments requiring in-person administration.
• Managing ongoing or complex reproductive health conditions.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is a safe medicine that helps reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular birth control did not work. It is not the same as abortion medicine. It works best when taken within 72 hours but can sometimes be used up to 5 days after sex. Emergency contraception is a backup method, not a regular birth control method.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet and private place where you feel comfortable talking. Have your medical history ready, including any medicines you take and allergies. Be ready to share when you had unprotected sex and any birth control used. Write down any questions you want to ask your healthcare provider. Make sure your device has a good internet connection and the video app is working.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health, the timing of unprotected sex, and any medications you use. They will explain if emergency contraception is suitable for you and how to take it. You can ask questions about side effects, how it works, and what to do next. The provider may also discuss regular birth control options for the future.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you have severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, or signs of an allergic reaction like difficulty breathing or swelling, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may signal a serious problem that needs in-person evaluation.

Follow-Up and Aftercare

After taking emergency contraception, you may have some side effects like nausea or changes in your next period. If your period is more than a week late, consider taking a pregnancy test. Keep track of any symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns or unusual symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a private, quiet space with good internet for your video visit.
• Have your personal health information ready, including allergies and current medications.
• Know the date and time of unprotected sex or birth control failure.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Ensure your device is charged and the video platform is working properly.

After your tele-visit

• Take emergency contraception as instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Watch for common side effects like nausea or spotting.
• Note the date of your next period and take a pregnancy test if it is more than a week late.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or other concerning symptoms.
• Discuss regular birth control options with your provider for ongoing pregnancy prevention.

FAQs

How soon should I take emergency contraception after unprotected sex?

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 after, but effectiveness decreases over time.

Can emergency contraception cause any side effects?

Yes, some people may experience nausea, tiredness, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, or changes in their next period. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

Is emergency contraception the same as abortion?

No, emergency contraception prevents pregnancy before it starts. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy and is not the same as abortion medication.

Can I use emergency contraception more than once?

Emergency contraception can be used more than once, but it is not recommended as a regular birth control method. Talk to your healthcare provider about ongoing contraception options.

What should I do if my period is late after taking emergency contraception?

If your period is more than a week late, consider taking a pregnancy test and contact your healthcare provider to discuss your results and next steps.

Sources

1. Emergency Contraception — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Emergency Contraception — 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 severe symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.