Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is a type of emergency contraception that can be taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy.

It is a popular option for women who want to avoid getting pregnant, particularly when their regular birth control method has failed or they have had unprotected sex in the heat of the moment.

How does Plan B work?

Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that is similar to progesterone, a natural hormone that is produced in the female body.

When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, Plan B works by preventing ovulation, which means that no egg is released from the ovaries. If there is no egg to be fertilized, pregnancy cannot occur.

In addition, Plan B may also work by thickening the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg, and by thinning the lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

How effective is Plan B?

Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. According to the manufacturer, Plan B can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

However, the longer you wait to take Plan B, the less effective it becomes.

Studies have shown that Plan B is most effective when used within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. After 72 hours, the effectiveness of Plan B drops to about 50%.

This means that while Plan B can be effective, it is not foolproof, and it should not be relied upon as your primary method of birth control.

How is Plan B taken?

Plan B is a single pill that is taken orally. It is available over-the-counter without a prescription to women of all ages. Plan B should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and within 72 hours at the latest.

If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, you may need to take another dose.

If you experience severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention, as this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What are the side effects of Plan B?

Like all medications, Plan B can have side effects. The most common side effects of Plan B include:.

nausea and vomiting
abdominal pain and cramping
fatigue
headache
irregular menstrual bleeding

Most of these side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects after taking Plan B, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Can Plan B affect future fertility?

No. There is no evidence that using Plan B or other forms of emergency contraception will have any long-term effects on your fertility. Plan B works by preventing ovulation, but once the drug is out of your system, your cycle should return to normal.

You should be able to get pregnant again in the future if you wish.

Is Plan B the same as the abortion pill?

No. Plan B is not the same as the abortion pill, also known as RU-486 or mifepristone. The abortion pill is used to terminate an established pregnancy, while Plan B is used to prevent pregnancy from occurring in the first place.

Should I use Plan B as my primary form of birth control?

No. While Plan B can be effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, it is not as reliable as other forms of birth control, such as condoms, birth control pills, or IUDs.

Plan B should be used only as a backup method of contraception, and not as your primary form of birth control.

Where can I get Plan B?

Plan B is available over-the-counter at many pharmacies and drug stores, as well as online. It can be purchased without a prescription, and there is no age restriction on purchasing Plan B.

If you are unable to find Plan B at your local pharmacy, you can ask the pharmacist for help, or contact your healthcare provider for assistance.