Even with protection, there’s a chance of pregnancy. If you’ve turned to Plan B to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, understanding its effectiveness and what happens if it fails is essential. This guide covers how Plan B works, its risks and side effects, and your next steps if pregnancy occurs.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B is a form of emergency contraception that lowers the risk of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation. It’s often used when birth control fails or in cases of sexual assault.
However, Plan B may prevent the egg from fully developing. It may also prevent the egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus.[1]
It’s important to know that Plan B and all other forms of emergency contraception should only be used as backups, not as primary methods of birth control.[1]
Is Plan B the Same as the Abortion Pill?
While they seem similar, Plan B and the abortion pill are not the same things.
The difference is that Plan B aims to keep you from getting pregnant in the first place (but may disrupt an egg from continuing to grow and prevent it from attaching to the wall of the uterus), but the abortion pill is designed to end a pregnancy every single time it is used.
If you’ve been sexually active in the weeks before taking Plan B, consider a pregnancy test or ultrasound to confirm you’re not already pregnant.
In Texas abortion is currently banned except to preserve the life of the mother. A woman who obtains an abortion cannot be held criminally or civilly liable. It is illegal to ship abortion inducing drugs into the state of Texas.[2][3]
Can Plan B Cause a Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the unintended loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. If an egg starts developing when Plan B is taken, it may interfere with uterine attachment, potentially causing its termination.[1]
If that is not your intent, then Plan B may not be for you.
How Effective Is Plan B? When Should I Take It?
Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours. While it significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, it is not 100% effective.[1]
What Are the Side Effects of Plan B?
Common side effects of Plan B include[4]:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Delayed period, irregular bleeding, or heavier menstrual bleeding
These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. However, if you experience prolonged bleeding, spotting beyond a week, or severe abdominal pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms could indicate a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy which can be life-threatening if left untreated.[5]
What to Do If Plan B Fails
If you’ve taken Plan B and missed your period, it could mean that you’re pregnant.[1] Take a pregnancy test to confirm. If the result is positive, our compassionate team at Metroplex Women’s Clinic is here to guide you through your pregnancy options, empowering you to make an informed decision. We offer confidential, free services to support your next steps.
Give us a call at (817) 299-9599 or make an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Metroplex Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
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- Mayo Clinic. (2024, September 1). Levonorgestrel (Oral Route) Side Effects. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levonorgestrel-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20074413
- Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm
- Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088