Does the plan b pill always work?

I’m sure we’ve all been there- one missed pill or forgotten contraceptive and suddenly our minds are filled with thoughts of unplanned pregnancies, expensive birth control options and a possible 18 years stuck in parental responsibility.

But never fear, because science has come up with a shiny white pill that promises to save us all – the emergency contraception, more popularly known as Plan B. But does it really work? In this article, we’ll be delving into the world of emergency contraceptives (because let’s face it, abstinence is not an option for most of us) to find out if it’s worth taking that trip down to your local pharmacy.

Let’s Talk About Emergency Contraception

Before diving too far into answering whether or not the Plan B pill always works (spoiler alert: it doesn’t) let’s look at what happens when you use emergency contraception.

Emergency contraception is essentially using hormones (progestin), which prevent ovulation in women by thickening cervical mucus and thinning uterine lining. This means that eggs can’t be fertilized or implanted once sperm enters the female body.

So basically – sex without consequences? Not so fast – things are just getting started!

How Effective Is Emergency Contraception

Let me start off by saying that no form of birth control is 100% effective.

That being said, there are different types of emergency contraceptives on offer- including oral drugs like Plan B pills and EllaOne tablets (more commonly used in Europe than America) – each with varying degrees of effectiveness.

Here’s a table breaking down some common questions about plan b:

Question Answer
What is Plan B? A type of progestin-only morning-after-pill
How do I take It ? Take tablet orally ASAP after unprotected intercourse
What is the Success Rate? Prevents about 52% of expected pregnancies
How long does it work for? Can be effective up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, but effectiveness decrease over time

It may not sound like great odds, but studies have shown that emergency contraception can reduce the chance of a pregnancy by around 70%, so while it’s not perfect, there are definitely benefits.

The Earlier You Take It – The Better

Like all things in life – timing matters. No form of birth control will be as successful if you’re using it days after unprotected sex.

Plan B works best when taken within the first 24-48 hours after sex

This means that taking action early is necessary once fertilization occurs (if possible).

One unfortunate issue with emergency contraceptives- specifically Plan B – is that its effectiveness decreases with each passing hour. This means your chances of getting pregnant increase significantly the longer you wait to take a pill. If you’re closer to those crucial 72 hours without any protection or contraceptive access, then Plan B might just be doing more damage than good.

Let’s Look At Some Studies…

Studies show that progestin-only pills like Plan B are less effective at preventing pregnancy in women who weigh more or have body mass index (BMI) higher than average levels.

In other words: the thicker we are – the less potent these little white wonders become! Additionally, starting hormonal contraceptives soon after use could impair their efficiency further and lead to unexpected consequences later on down the line.

So before blowing our last $50 bucks on one tiny pill, consider whether or not this handy helper would actually provide some assistance towards achieving our goals…whatever they may be!

What Are My Alternatives?

Emergency contraception isn’t always everyone’s preferred route. While morning-after-pills might promise speedy results they still remain questionable in terms of their effectiveness.

Thankfully, there are other alternatives available if you want to avoid using Plan B. Here’s a breakdown:

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Impervious to tears or forgetful misbahavior – the copper IUD is installed by professionals and provides tangible peace of mind against unplanned pregnancy (for up to 10 years!). It also means that should morning after pills be required they can still possibly work afterwards too!

Pros:

• Long-term coverage
• No hormones involved
• Can reduce heavy menstrual flow

Cons:

• Expensive initial cost
• Pain upon insertion & removal

## What About Abstinence…? Too Late?

If all else fails – maybe it’s time for a quick lesson in abstinence…

According to Professor Jim Trussell, director of Princeton University’s office of population research: “The most effective contraceptive method remains ‘long-acting reversible contraceptives’ such as an implant, injection or intrauterine device.””

In other words: long term commitment could trump last-minute decision making.

Conclusion

So where does this leave us exactly? While emergency contraception is certainly better than taking no steps at all towards birth control – relying solely on these methods might not end well for everyone (especially our wallets).

Like everything in life – the more we understand something; The better equipped we become at dealing with potential issues. Knowing about alternative options like IUDs and long-lasting hormonal treatments can maximize our chances when preventing unwanted pregnancies.

And let’s face it… nobody wants surprises!

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