Does Plan B Really Work?

When things don’t go as planned in the bedroom, is Plan B something you can or should rely on?Plan B is a medication for women to take when they’ve had unprotected sex with their partner and do not wish to get pregnant. In most instances it’s not as if you decide to just have unprotected sex. Sometimes, it’s unforeseen. It’s important not mistake Plan B as an ordinary form of birth control, but as “rescue” medication to prevent pregnancy if your primary choice of contraception has failed. And although it has been labeled as “the morning after” pill, it is best to take it as soon as possible.

Overview
Sex can be widely considered as a necessity in developing a strong relationship. It is one way of showing interest towards your partner and at the same time providing each other needed affection and intimacy. We all know what sexual activity can lead to, and for a lot of us we just aren’t ready for that part.

A study conducted by the Alan Guttmacher Institute of New York suggests that 49% of all pregnancies in the United States are “unplanned”. That’s a pretty high number of individuals or couples that practice unsafe sex, but do not wish to have children. This is a surprising number since there are all different forms of contraceptives that have been created in order for couples to avoid being placed in such an uneasy and sometimes frightening position.

The Claim
The creators of Plan B claim that even if you’ve had unprotected sex, you can avoid getting pregnant if you take the pill within the first 72 hours. Having a baby is a life-altering experience for both you and your partner, therefore this is quite a big claim to make.

The Hype
Since 2000, thousands of women have used Plan B. This just goes to show how many of the sexually active population greatly trust these two tiny pills. Most pharmacies in the U.S. actually make it available to anyone without a prescription, just as long as you’re above the age of 17.

The Cost
The cost for purchasing Plan B may specifically depend on where you’re located. The price can differ significantly, however the suggested retail price of this medication can be anywhere from $30.00 to $60.00. If there is a local Planned Parenthood in your area, you can obtain Plan B for as low as $10.00 to $45.00. If this is your last resort and you’re staring down being a parent, it’s a much less costly option.

The Commitment
Perhaps the worst thing about the Plan B pill is that no commitment is required, therefore giving couples the impression that they don’t need to be careful or safe when having sex. Again, it is not meant to replace your original choice of a contraceptive and is only considered emergency medication if “Plan A” somehow didn’t go according to plan.

Evaluation
It’s always tough trying to assure yourself that a certain medication such as Plan B can actually work. There’s a lot riding on it working. Because all of us are put in different circumstances, results and reactions toward certain things might not always be the same. It has worked for thousands, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you.

 

Plan B FAQ

As expected, there are so many concerns from curious consumers associated with Plan B. Listed below are the most frequently asked questions that tackle everything from how it works to what exactly it does to your body.

What’s the Difference Between Plan B and Plan B One Step?
There’s not much of a huge difference if you were to compare Plan B and the

current Plan B One Step. The only changes that have been made are the dosage for each pill and how often you have to take it. The original Plan B was first approved by the FDA in 1999 and consists of two pills both containing 0.75 milligrams of the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel. On the other hand, Plan B One Step which was approved by the FDA only in 2009 comprises of one pill consisting of 1.5 milligrams of levonorgestrel.

Is the Plan B Morning After Pill Effective?
The morning after pill is only effective if you take it within the allotted timeframe specified, which is 72 hours or three days since your sexual encounter. However taking the pill as soon as possible would be recommended. Like any other medication, there is no guarantee it will work. Research has indicated that Plan B can lessen your chances of getting pregnant by roughly 87%.

Is the Plan B Morning After Pill Safe?
Nothing that disrupts nature this much can be considered completely safe. Although both Plan B and Plan B One Step have been approved by the FDA, there are still a number of side effects one might have to face. Ideally, it would be best to schedule an appointment with your doctor before trying it out to get an idea of what you can expect and if it’s right for you. Those who already have a few health concerns would be advised to discuss taking Plan B with their doctor and ask if it might interact with other medication you may be taking, as well as affect other ailments you might be undergoing.

Does Plan B Affect Fertility?
Plan B does not affect fertility in the long run, but it does prevent you from conceiving as soon as you take it.

Does Plan B Abort A Baby?
If you are not aware that you are already pregnant when taking the pill, it will not in any way cause harm to you or your baby. A normal pregnancy will still take place, according to the manufacturer.

Does Plan B Change Menstrual Cycle?
There will be a slight change to your menstrual cycle when you take Plan B, as the ingredients promote an early detachment of the lining from the uterus. During this phase, you may experience spotting and even bleeding, so don’t be alarmed.

Does Plan B Ever Fail?
No medicine, or in this case emergency contraceptive, is certain. Therefore yes, it has failed and yes, it can fail. Although the instances where it “failed” might be chalked up to users waiting too long to take it, or not taking it according to directions.

Does Plan B Have Side Effects?
Side effects are normal when taking any type of drug. For some, side effects may occur and the most common are lower abdominal pain, nausea, headache, fatigue and dizziness.

Does Plan B Stay In Your System?
Studies have shown that Plan B does stay in the system for at least 72 hours, however it can remain in the body for up to several days. Although this may occur, the effectiveness after 72 hours will wear off.

Is Plan B Bad For Your Body?
Plan B basically consists of progesterone which is a hormone your body naturally makes during ovulation, so there’s reason to believe that your body can handle it, and return to normal after some time.

Is Plan B Illegal?
Plan B is not illegal, but you do have to be over 17 years of age to purchase it without a prescription. The morning after pill may seem illegal and that’s probably because morals and beliefs play a huge factor when it comes to these methods of birth control, as many religious groups and lobbyists try to keep it from being widely available.

Is Plan B One Pill?
Plan B actually consists of 2 pills, however the newly approved Plan B One Step only requires you to take only one pill.

Is Plan B Effective After 2 Days?
Plan B should still be relatively effective after 2 days, but there is a highly likelihood that it won’t work for you. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that it will work.

Is Plan B Effective After 3 Days?
One of the most common time frames is 3 days, aka 72 hours out, and this is because their official website states that this is the limit of its effectiveness, so yes it should still work, but you are on the verge of having it not work, and really pushing your luck.

Is Plan B Effective After 4 Days?
Plan B could still be effective after 4 days as it is possible it can still be in your system, however the effects will not be as potent and the company makes no promises that it will work.

Is Plan B Effective After 5 Days or 7 Days?
After five to seven days since having sex, taking Plan B will no longer work and you should schedule a doctor’s appointment to see if you may be pregnant.

Final Plan B Review

Of course Plan B got its name because it’s only used when things don’t go according to plan. As long as you maintain strict precautions when it comes to your normal sexual activities, it is nice to have it as a back-up in case of emergencies. There are also moral considerations, religious considerations, and philosophical considerations, so this is not something you want to take a light-hearted attitude towards.

What do you think? Does Plan B work or not?