What is Plan B Tea?
Plan B tea refers to herbal teas made from plants that contain chemicals thought to help prevent pregnancy after sex. Some examples of herbs used in Plan B teas are pennyroyal, neem, rue, black cohosh, and blue cohosh. These herbs have historically been used for abortion and contraception purposes. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on their effectiveness and safety for these uses.
Understanding the Active Compounds
Some of the herbs used in Plan B teas contain compounds that may interfere with pregnancy in a few ways:
- Causing uterine contractions that can expel a fertilized egg
- Interfering with implantation of a fertilized egg
- Altering hormones like progesterone needed to sustain pregnancy
However, the concentration of active compounds can vary greatly depending on the herb source and brewing method. This makes the pregnancy prevention effects unreliable.
Risks and Side Effects
Drinking Plan B tea comes with safety concerns including:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Menstrual cramps, vaginal bleeding
- Headache, dizziness, tremors
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
Pennyroyal is one of the most hazardous due to its high volatile oil content. Deaths have occurred in those ingesting pennyroyal essential oil.
Effectiveness of Plan B Tea for Emergency Contraception
Research has not found Plan B tea to be an effective method of emergency birth control. There are too many uncertainties around the appropriate herbal dosage and active compound concentrations in the tea. The timing and number of doses also impact potential effectiveness.
Limited Evidence on Pregnancy Prevention
While animal and cell studies show some abortive or contraceptive effects of herbs like pennyroyal, there are no controlled studies in humans proving Plan B tea works.
A 1978 study published in the Journal of Toxicology found pennyroyal oil only stopped 25% of pregnancies in rats when given within 72 hours of mating. Other animal studies estimate the pregnancy prevention rate may be between 10-60% depending on the herb, dosage, and timing.
The few human cases of women attempting to use herbs like pennyroyal, rue, or angelica root to induce abortion had very low effectiveness with dangerous side effects.
Timing and Dosage Issues
To even have a chance at pregnancy prevention, Plan B tea would need to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. But even then, there is no standard recommended dosage to follow. Drinking too little tea may fail to prevent pregnancy, while too much could cause toxicity.
Repeated doses over several days may improve effectiveness slightly but could also increase risk of side effects. With no medical oversight on appropriate Plan B tea dosing, the risks likely outweigh any potential benefits.
Plan B Pills Versus Plan B Tea
Over-the-counter Plan B pills contain levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone that helps prevent pregnancy when taken soon after unprotected sex or birth control failure. It works by:
- Delaying or preventing ovulation
- Slowing transport of egg and sperm through fallopian tubes
- Altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation
When taken properly, Plan B pills are up to 95% effective if used within the first 24 hours after sex. Effectiveness decreases to around 85% if taken between 24-48 hours, and 58% between 48-72 hours after.
Clinically Proven Effectiveness and Safety
Unlike Plan B tea, the dosage in Plan B pills has been clinically tested to maximize effectiveness and safety. The standard 1.5 mg tablet is effective for most women under 176 pounds, while those over this weight may need a higher 3 mg dose.
Side effects like nausea, headache, abdominal pain are temporary and mild for most women. There are no long-term effects on fertility or future pregnancy outcomes. The hormones are fast-acting but leave the body quickly after taking the pills.
Oversight for Proper Use
While anyone can buy Plan B pills over the counter, pharmacists are available for consultation about proper timing, dosage, drug interactions, and when to take a pregnancy test if period is late. The packaging also provides detailed instructions and warnings.
In contrast, Plan B tea lacks oversight on proper preparation and intake. Without solid dosing guidelines, it is unlikely to provide reliable emergency contraception but could easily cause harm.
Other Options for Emergency Contraception
If considering emergency contraception, Plan B pills, Ella, copper IUDs, or high dose combination birth control pills are much safer and more effective options than Plan B tea. Here are some key points on alternatives to keep in mind:
Ella Pills
- Contains ulipristal acetate, works by delaying ovulation up to 5 days
- Effective if taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex
- Requires prescription
- Can have drug interactions with some medications
Copper IUD Insertion
- Can be inserted by doctor up to 5 days after unprotected sex
- Ongoing birth control method for up to 10 years
- More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
- May cause heavier, more painful periods and cramping
High Dose Birth Control Pills
- Four tablets Estinyl estradiol for 2 days can help prevent pregnancy
- Best if started within 72 hours of unprotected sex
- Can cause nausea and vomiting
- Not as effective as Plan B pills or other options
While natural remedies appeal to some women, Plan B tea comes with too many uncertainties around safety and effectiveness for preventing pregnancy after sex. Sticking to clinically tested emergency contraceptive options is strongly advised instead.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test After Taking Emergency Contraception
If you have taken any form of emergency contraception like Plan B pills or Ella after unprotected sex, when should you take a pregnancy test to check if it worked?
Plan B Pills
You should take a pregnancy test if you do not get your period within 21 days of taking Plan B. The pills typically work by delaying ovulation, but they will not work if you have already ovulated or become pregnant prior to taking it. Testing in 3 weeks can confirm if emergency contraception succeeded.
ella Pills
A pregnancy test is recommended if you do not get your period within 3 weeks of taking ella emergency contraception. Like Plan B, ella works by delaying ovulation but cannot terminate an existing pregnancy. Follow up testing will indicate if you need further medical care.
Copper IUD Insertion
You can take a urine pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after having the copper IUD inserted. This gives time for any existing pregnancy to be terminated by the IUD going into effect. If the test is positive, follow up with your healthcare provider right away.
Other Emergency Contraception
For emergency contraceptive pills containing combined estrogen and progestin, test 3 weeks after if your period has not started. Be sure to follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist on when to test after taking any other emergency contraception methods not mentioned here.
When to Seek Medical Care After Taking Emergency Contraception
In addition to taking a pregnancy test, here are some signs and symptoms that indicate you should seek medical care after taking any form of emergency contraception:
- No period by 4-6 weeks after treatment
- Persistent abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
- Prolonged nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden high fever, chills, lower back pain
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Dizziness, fainting, severe headache
- Mood changes, depression
While side effects like nausea and abdominal discomfort are common with emergency contraception, prolonged or severe reactions warrant medical evaluation. Seeking prompt care is also crucial if you have signs of pregnancy or believe you are at risk for an ectopic pregnancy.
The Takeaway on Emergency Contraception
If you had unprotected sex and want to prevent pregnancy, options like Plan B, Ella, copper IUDs, or emergency contraceptive pills are proven and safe if used correctly. Research does not support the effectiveness of Plan B teas made from herbs like pennyroyal or rue. To avoid complications, choose emergency contraception that is clinically tested.
Be sure to take a follow up pregnancy test if your period is late after taking any emergency contraception. Seek prompt medical care for any concerns about your symptoms or if you get a positive pregnancy result.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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