Ever since its introduction, Plan B® (the emergency contraception pill) has been the focus of a number of misconceptions and myths. Many people continue to confuse it with RU-486, the abortion pill; others aren’t aware that it can be used with a high success rate for several days after unprotected sex. Here’s the reality behind 10 common myths about emergency contraception.
Myth: Plan B® induces abortion.
Plan B® will only prevent you from becoming pregnant; it won’t affect an existing pregnancy. Plan B® contains a higher dosage of the same hormone in many regular birth control pills, and it works similarly. Like birth control pills, emergency contraception may prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. After implantation, it will have no effect.
Myth: Plan B® is dangerous.
Plan B® is approved by the FDA and, when used as directed, has only mild potential side effects. These may include nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, or menstrual changes (such as a heavier or lighter period, or a period that comes sooner or later than expected). Many women experience no side effects at all.
Myth: To be effective, Plan B® must be taken the morning after unprotected sex.
While Plan B® should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, the FDA has approved its use within the first 72 hours. According to the Office of Population Research at Princeton University, emergency contraception can be taken within the first 120 hours (5 days) following unprotected sex.
Myth: Plan B® usually doesn’t work.
According to the manufacturer, studies have shown that about 7 out of every 8 women who would have become pregnant will successfully avoid it by taking Plan B® within 72 hours of their sexual encounter. Emergency contraception is most effective if taken within the first 24 hours.
Myth: Plan B® will prevent pregnancy from sexual encounters before and after use.
Plan B® is only approved to prevent pregnancy when taken after unprotected sex. To prevent pregnancy in the future, you should consider using a regular method of contraception such as condoms or birth control pills. Plan B® is not a replacement for the consistent and correct use of regular contraceptives.
Myth: You’ll need a prescription to get Plan B®.
Plan B® is currently available over-the-counter to anyone 18 or older, including men. The FDA has also announced plans to approve over-the-counter sales of emergency contraception to women 17 or older.
Myth: Medicaid won’t cover your Plan B®.
According to the National Institute for Reproductive Health, several states – Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington – currently cover emergency contraception through Medicaid.
Myth: You shouldn’t stock up on Plan B® because it has a short shelf-life.
Plan B® has a fairly long shelf-life – it can be kept for up to 4 years following the date of manufacture. As with all medications, you should make sure to check the expiration date before you purchase or use it.
Myth: Plan B® is often used as a primary form of birth control.
You should always use a regular form of contraception to prevent pregnancy. Plan B® is not as effective as routine contraception and is considerably more expensive. Even so, there are no medical reasons to avoid using Plan B® more than once.
Myth: Emergency contraception is made available to all victims of rape.
According to RH Reality Check, one study showed that in Connecticut, 40% of hospital emergency rooms did not provide emergency contraception or provided too small a dose to victims of sexual assault. Most states do not require that victims be offered or informed about Plan B®.
Sources
Amie Newman, “DENIED: Taking the Emergency out of Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims in Connecticut.” RH Reality Check.
Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., “Plan B®: Frequently Asked Questions.”
Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., “Plan B® Pharmacists: Frequently Asked Questions.”
“Emergency Contraception: Plan B.” Office of Population Research, Princeton University.
Expanding Medicaid Coverage for EC On the State Level.” National Institute for Reproductive Health.
“Plan B (0.75mg levonorgestrel) Tablets Information.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
