Hi, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified OB/GYN with over a decade of experience in women's health. I'm here to provide you with accurate and compassionate information about your reproductive health.

Let's talk about Plan B and what happens if you take it after 72 hours.

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is a type of emergency contraception. It's designed to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The key here is to understand that Plan B is not an abortion pill. It won't terminate an existing pregnancy. Instead, it works primarily by delaying ovulation.

Here's a breakdown:

* How Plan B Works: Plan B contains a higher dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone. Progesterone plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle. Depending on where you are in your cycle, levonorgestrel can prevent or delay the release of an egg (ovulation). If ovulation has already occurred, Plan B might prevent fertilization by making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. It can also potentially make the lining of the uterus thinner, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.

* The 72-Hour Window: Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Ideally, it should be taken within the first 12 hours. While it's labeled for use up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, its effectiveness declines as time passes.

* Taking Plan B After 72 Hours: Here's the crucial part: if you take Plan B after 72 hours, it's unlikely to be effective in preventing pregnancy. The reason is that sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. If you ovulate during that time, even after taking Plan B later, conception can still occur.

* What to Do: If you're outside the 72-hour window, taking Plan B is unlikely to be helpful. In this situation, you have a couple of options:
* Wait and See: You can wait to see if you miss your period. If you do, consider taking a pregnancy test.
* Copper IUD: A copper IUD, if inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days of unprotected sex, can also be a very effective form of emergency contraception, even after the 72-hour window for Plan B has passed.

* Important Considerations:
* Body Weight: Studies suggest that Plan B may be less effective in individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI).
* Medications: Certain medications, including some anticonvulsants and some HIV medications, can interfere with the effectiveness of Plan B.

Remember: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about emergency contraception, please speak with your healthcare provider or a pharmacist. They can provide you with personalized guidance and address your specific needs.
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Both Plan B pills can be taken at the same time with no decrease in effectiveness or increase in side effects. Plan B should be taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex and can reduce the risk of pregnancy up to 89%. But it is more effective the sooner you take it.read more >>