It's normal to have lots of questions about what happens when you take plan B.

You might want to know how you're going to feel afterwards, if there are any symptoms you should know about, and what happens to your body when you take plan B.

In this section, we want to put you at ease by answering some of these questions. You'll also find out what to do if you're looking to talk to someone about emergency contraception and where to turn if you want more reassurance, help or advice.

What Happens to my Body?

Most women won't experience any dramatic side effects from taking plan B. Typically, you'll be able to carry on with your usual activities. If you do have a headache or feel sick, it should pass fairly quickly. If it doesn't, consult your doctor.

How Do I Know plan B Worked?

The only way of knowing plan B has worked is when you get your next period. Keep in mind that when taken correctly within 72 hours of unprotected sex, or an accident with your contraceptive, plan B is 85% effective.

If your period is more than 7 days late, or unusually heavy or light, or if you're still worried, call your doctor or local health clinic (your CLSC in Quebec) for a check-up to make sure you're not pregnant. You might feel anxious about an unplanned pregnancy or about having had unprotected sex, so don't hesitate to get in touch with someone who can help.

I Think I Might Be Pregnant

Many women find their period comes early or on time, so they don't have to worry about pregnancy. If your period is late, it could be because you took plan B early on in your cycle and it has delayed ovulation.

If your period is more than 7 days late and you think you might be pregnant, call your doctor or local health clinic (your CLSC in Quebec) for a pregnancy test.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to test for pregnancy is to buy an early pregnancy test (EPT) at the pharmacy. You can ask the pharmacist how to use the kit to get the best results.

If you have continued to use regular hormonal contraception such as the birth control pill after taking plan B and you do not get your period in your pill-free week, see your doctor or local health clinic (your CLSC in Quebec) to make sure you're not pregnant.

• If I am pregnant, will emergency contraceptive pills harm the baby?

  Studies have shown that if plan B fails and you do get pregnant, there are no harmful effects on the developing fetus. plan B will not work once a fertilized egg has attached itself to the womb lining, so if you already have a confirmed pregnancy, you should not take plan B.

What Do I Do About Contraception Now?

If you want advice on long-term methods of contraception, see your doctor or local health clinic (your CLSC in Quebec). They'll be happy to help you.

Restarting your birth control pill

• Throw out any missed pills, including the one for the day you take plan B
• Restart your pack the day after you take plan B, and then continue to take your pill as usual
• During the first 7 days of restarting the pill, if you have sex, use an additional form of contraception
• If these 7 days take you into a new pack of pills, don't take your usual one-week break between packs - just carry straight on with the next pack

• Going on the pill for the first time after plan B

  You have to wait until you've had your first period after taking plan B before you can go on the birth control pill. See your doctor or local health clinic (your CLSC in Quebec), and they'll advise you on the different types of birth control available. Remember, plan B doesn't have any lasting contraceptive effect, so you'll need to use an additional method of birth control until your next period.

Is There Somewhere Else I Can Turn To?

If you've already taken plan B and still have some questions, you can call us toll-free, or email us for more info:

• Paladin Medinfo Number: 1-888-550-6060
  Or via email: medinfo@paladin-labs.com

You can also get immediate information from the places listed below about anything to do with "the morning-after pill," buying emergency contraception at the pharmacy, unplanned pregnancy and STDs/STIs.

• Sexuality and U
  Sexuality and U is a Canadian website devoted to sexuality education and information.
• Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada
  Planned Parenthood gives people access to reliable information and services about their sexual and reproductive health.
• Women's Health Matters
  Women's Health Matters is a good source of reliable, up-to-date information on women's health issues.
• Canadian Women's Health Network
  Another good source of information on women's health issues.
• Canadian Pharmacists Association
  The CPhA provides information on a wide range of health topics to pharmacists.

Safe Sex Advice

plan B doesn't protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs/STIs). If you've had unprotected sex, or your contraceptive failed, you should also think about the risk of STDs and STIs.

If you're embarrassed talking to your own doctor about this, you can go to a walk-in clinic that specializes in family planning. They'll give you all the tests needed and provide the most suitable treatment. Anything you tell the doctor or nurse at these clinics is confidential and they will not write to your own doctor or contact anyone else without your permission.

Taking plan B will not affect the results of any tests you have, but you should tell the clinic that you've taken it.

For more information on safe sex and contraception, see our More To Know section.