Plan B is a type of emergency contraception, not your regular birth control. It’s meant for situations like unprotected sex, a condom breaking, or missing multiple birth control pills.
The good news is there’s no strict limit to how many times you can take Plan B in a month, and there’s no evidence of long-term health risks, including effects on fertility, from repeated use. That said, it’s still a high-dose hormone pill, so it can affect your body temporarily.
Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that works by delaying or stopping ovulation. In other words, it prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. Without an egg, sperm can’t fertilize it. Plan B does not end an existing pregnancy and won’t work if fertilization has already occurred. It also does not protect against STIs.
When taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, Plan B is about 89% effective, and it works best the sooner you take it.
How to Use It
- Take one pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
- It can be taken up to 72 hours later, but earlier is better.
- If you vomit within two hours of taking it, you may need another dose.
- Your next period might come early, late, heavier, or lighter than usual.
Possible Side Effects
While there are no known permanent side effects, this high-dose hormone pill can temporarily affect your body. Some people report:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Emotional changes
Taking Plan B more than once in a short period can make these side effects stronger or last longer. Many users also notice temporary menstrual cycle changes, bloating, or feeling a little “off” hormonally.
Plan B is not meant to be a regular birth control method. If you find yourself needing it frequently, you might want to explore other options like birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, implants, patches, or vaginal rings. These provide steady, lower-dose hormone protection (or non-hormonal protection in the case of the copper IUD) and can be up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Plan B can be purchased at the SSIS office for a sliding scale of $0-1, and can also be accessed in our SCC Vending Machine.
