7 Common Myths About Plan B

Plan B or morning-after pill is a levonorgestrel pill for emergency contraception. People use plan B after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. This pill shouldn’t be used as the main birth control method. This pill has more chances to prevent pregnancy if a woman will take it right after sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 5,8 million (11%) women aged from 15 to 44 years, have ever used emergency contraception. Plan B is not a birth control pill, and it doesn’t protect people from sexually transmitted diseases. Keep reading and learn about myths about plan B.

1. I can’t take plan B too often

This is a common myth because women think that this pill won’t work. But it’s not true. Plan B pill works as effectively as the first pill intake. Even the 13’th pill will be as effective as the first. Women should follow all the instructions and take it as fast as they can after unprotected sex.

2. Plan B is harmful

According to the statistics, there is no medical evidence that plan b would be harmful. This pill will work only if a woman isn’t pregnant. That is why women can use it and be calm that it will harm them.

3. After 72 hours I can’t use plan B

This is a myth. As we have mentioned before you can take plan B within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, but doctors also mention that we can use it up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Also, there can be problems if you are overweight (155 pounds or even more). Plan B won’t work as effectively. If you haven’t used plan B in 3 days after unprotected sex, you should try IUD or Ella. IUD is the most effective method of contraception and is effective for overweight people.

4. Plan B isn’t affordable over the long run

In most cases, one package of plan B pills varies between $15 and $45, on the other hand, IUD costs from $500 to $1000, but it’s less expensive than plan B over the long run. IUD has different advantages and disadvantages: there is no need to take pills each day, a lot of insurance companies pay for IUD, if an IUD is inserted after unprotected sex then it can be left there for a long-term up to 10 years.

5. Plan B doesn’t have side effects

Emergency contraceptives are very safe, but there are some short-term side effects. Doctors have reported that for the last 30 years no one had long-term complications. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, abdominal pain. There is only one warning sign: if you vomit within 2 hours (plan B) or within 3 hours (Ella), you should contact your health provider and have an appointment because you need another dose.

6. Plan B is the same as abortion

Many women think that plan B is the same as abortion, but it’s not true. Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy, but abortion stops pregnancy that has already started. One more difference: plan B pills are over the counter, but abortion is highly regulated. 

7. I can’t take plan B with birth control pills

This is a myth because if you forgot to take birth control pills, you can take plan B after unprotected sex, this won’t cause you any harm. There is only one prevention: you should restart your course in a day or two.

The bottom line

All in all, plan B is not a good method of long-term contraception. You should use it in emergency situations. Remember about all the disadvantages and have a consultation with your medical provider before the usage.