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Overuse of Plan B

Having unprotected sex may open a door you never expected. Plan B is an emergency contraception that can delay or prevent the ovulation process. That means the eggs released won’t be fertilized and you won’t get pregnant.

If you’re afraid the first dose didn’t succeed, taking multiple doses of Plan B will not affect your chances of getting pregnant. Learn why Plan B may not work and the negative effects of Plan B overuse.

Can Plan B Fail?

Plan B, or the morning after pill, is not a long-term birth control method. As an emergency contraception, there are strict guidelines to follow for success.

1. Timing

The key to Plan B’s effectiveness is timing. You can take the morning after pill up to 5 days after having unprotected sex. For best results, you should take Plan B within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.

2. Weight

A lesser-known qualifier for Plan B is weight. While there is no definitive weight limit provided, it’s generally accepted that Plan B becomes less effective for women over 165 pounds.

3. Pregnancy

If you’re already pregnant, Plan B will fail. Learn more about abortion, adoption, and parenthood options.

Negative Effects of Plan B

How frequently can you take Plan B? Whether you’ve taken the morning after pill twice in one week or multiple times in a month, there is no research that using Plan B too often brings long-term negative effects, such as infertility. However, you should be aware that overuse of Plan B does increase the chance you’ll experience side effects.

Using Plan B affects your ovulation stage, changing your menstrual cycle. Frequent use will result in a more irregular cycle. If you experience heavy bleeding after taking Plan B multiple times, you should immediately contact a healthcare provider.

Headaches and stomach-related issues are a few other common side effects. Most symptoms will pass after a day or two. In cases where vomiting occurs shortly after ingestion, contact your healthcare provider before taking another dose.

How Do I Know Plan B Failed?

Plan B offers a success rate of up to 89%. If you think you may be pregnant, Alcove Health is here to help. Our services include free ultrasounds, free pregnancy tests, and extensive resources to help you make an informed decision. Our advocates and medical professionals work to provide accurate information in a compassionate, no-judgment environment. Make an appointment for free today!

You might be feeling a lot of emotions right now. We understand. It’s OK to ask for help.