Plan B Emergency Contraceptive

[bibigirl12_10]

Plan B is intended to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, what if a person has unprotected sex on day then the next day and takes the pill? Is it still effective and works the same?

[bibigirl12_10]

thanks and yeah i made an appointment for birth control options, i was just mainly concerned about the pill. thank you!

[sweetpea03]

Yes, the morning after pill(Plan B) has a lot of possible side effects. You may experience bleeding, cramping, headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, changes in your menstrual cycle(your period may come sooner or later than expected and may be heavier or lighter than normal), and breast tenderness. All of this is normal and expected when you take this much a hormone all at once. You may not experience any of these symptoms, but don't be surprised if you do.

Do you use anything other than condoms? If you don't, I would suggest making a doctor's appointment to discuss birth control options for extra protection, to prevent pregnancy until you are truly ready for a baby. Hope it all goes well.

[bibigirl12_10]

also it was taken within 72 hours, i believe even within 24 hrs.

[bibigirl12_10]

yes i know i'm not using it all the time, the condom broke both times except the first time he pulled out right before he finished but i also know about pre-ejaculation and even though i believe even if i got pregnant i could handle it but just not ready. all the other times we use protection and are very careful. i just needed to know if the pill could be taken and take care of both times. also, i have friends who have taken the day after pill and experienced bleeding and said it was normal because they said that's how you know it works? is this true?

[sweetpea03]

Plan B(the morning after pill), as ducky406 said, can be taken up to 72 hours after having sex, although the sooner you take the pill the better and more effective it can be. Though you must also keep in mind that the Plan B pill is not meant to be used often. It is only meant to be used twice in a whole year (no more than that) and should be avoided at all costs if possible (very large dose of hormones that messes up your cycle for a while).  It is not meant to replace a regular form of birth control and is less effective at preventing pregnancy than condoms, the regular birth control pill, etc. Therefore, if you don't want to get pregnant, please use some form of birth control any time you have sex or do sexual activities. The one dosage of pills should keep you safe from pregnancy this time around, but don't keep thinking this is what you will do when you have sex. It's not healthy for your body and you want to be proactive in protecting yourself by using a regular form of birth control.  

[ducky406]

Plan B is a very large dose of hormones that almost "flushes" your system. I believe the cut off line is 72 hours because it was made to work until a zygote implanted itself into the uterine wall (although don't quote me on that). Therefore, I assume it would work for both of the sexual encounters.

HOWEVER- DO NOT TAKE A SECOND DOSE, as it would be very harmful to your system. Also get on birth control and use condoms. If you aren't prepared for the possible consequences, you shouldn't be having unprotected sex. Everyone make mistakes, but unless you decide you're ok with a 7lb oops, try to learn from them.