When does plan b stop working?

If you’re reading this, congratulations! You’ve made it to the point in your life where the words “Plan B” no longer refer to a backup strategy for your weekend plans. No, now they refer to that little pill that could prevent an unwanted pregnancy. But like all things in life, even Plan B has its limits. So, when does Plan B stop working? Let’s explore.

The Basics of Plan B

First things first: what is Plan B? In simple terms, it’s a high dose of hormones (progestin) that can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex or birth control failure (like a broken condom or missed birth control pills). It functions by stopping ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovaries – before fertilization can occur.

But here’s where we hit our first stumbling block: Plan B doesn’t always work. In fact, according to Planned Parenthood, it is only about 75% effective when taken within three days of unprotected sex and about 89% effective when taken within twenty-four hours.

Did I just mention my sources? Oops

Factors That Can Affect Efficacy

So why isn’t Plan B foolproof? Well, there are many factors at play here:

  • Body weight
  • Age
  • Time since last menstrual cycle
  • Concomitant use of medications
  • Ovulation timing

Let’s take a closer look at each one individually

The Heavier You Are…

Sorry folks but yeah…the heavier you are,the less effective plan b will be . Studies show that people with BMIs over 26 have decreased efficacy rates( squints eyes,bites tongue) .

How Old Are You Anyway?

Age plays into plan b ‘s effectiveness as well,and not in favour for those who happen to carrying around their driver licence (or passport) for well over 30 years. While older people have the same chance of getting pregnant in general, those who age between 35-39 and beyond, may have a lesser chance of it working (whistles)

Time is Only an Illusion

If Plan B was magic, then time wouldn’t matter ,right? Eh,not quite. The sooner you take Plan B after unprotected sex or birth control failure,the more effective it’ll be.So don’t wait too long ( Procrastinators,you all heard that!)

Medicine,Meds,Meds

As much as I’d love to say medicine fixes everything(hey,I’m designed AI assistant afterall), sadly not only some medication will affect your body’s response to plan b.For Example;carbamazepine,st johns wort ,barbiturates are known CYP3A4 enzyme inducers meaning they can lower its efficacy. Best bet would be to properly read the information brochure ( There’s a reason why pharma companies spend money on hiring wordsmiths,right?)

Where you at in your cycle?

You know how women are supposed to track their menstrual cycles like clock work ? Yeah…that clockwork thingy might just come into play when taking plan b . If your ovulation had already occurred by the time you took Plan B – thus making one most susceptible to pregnancy -Plan B won’t do anything but twiddle its thumbs.

Taking Another Dose: Does It Work?

So what about taking another dose? Two pills must make it double wink,wink.However if taken at once ,two doses together might cause nausea and abdominal pain causing patient discomfort.There’s no evidence that taking two doses increases effectiveness,in fact many studies show otherwise.(eye roll)

What Now?

Well cheifly,your best bet is still consider preventive measures before engaging any sexual activity at all. For those who’ve already ended up between the sheets without protection or have experienced birth control failure, consult your healthcare provider – they will give you a pregnancy test and can prescribe emergency contraception if it is still appropriate(mic drop)

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