The data did not distinguish beyond the gender binarybut the implications for all people who menstruate can be extrapolated.
and a different EC called ulipristal acetate (known as Ella).
Researchers found that women with a BMI over 25 have a greater risk of getting pregnant after taking levonorgestrel.
They concluded that women who fell into that category should be offered a copper IUD or ulipristal acetate instead.
Other studies have examined decreased efficacy levels among those with higher BMI in the years that followed.
The average pregnancy risk percentage with no contraception was 6 percent for the control group in thisstudy.
nurse practitioner, chief clinical officer of FOLX Health
TheUnited States Food and Drug Administration(FDA) agreed to review the research in 2013.
Additionally, research should target the why behind levonorgestrels reduced efficacy in larger patients.
There isnt a definitive weight limit for Plan B or other levonorgestrel-based EC.
Heres How I Finally Figured It Out
So how worried should you be?
Reduced efficacy isnt a definitive red light, Dr. And there isnt any evidence that taking levonorgestrel-based EC is unsafe.
The risk of pregnancy is just higher for people with a BMI above 25.
Additionally, people with higher BMI may have higher blood volume, potentially impacting efficacy.
Steinle also says the drug may be metabolized differently in people with a higher BMI.
However, there isnt enough evidence to make any definitive statements about reduced efficacy.
nurse practitioner, chief clinical officer of FOLX Health
Are there other EC options available
The good news?
There is EC with a higher weight efficacy, says Dr.
The downside to this option is it is not over the counter.
The most effective form of emergency contraction is thecopper intrauterine unit (IUD)called Paragard.
Paragard is inserted duringan in-office procedurewhere the IUD is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus.
People usually experience mild to heavy cramping during the procedure.
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