Hello, I'm Dr. Emily, a board-certified OB/GYN with over 15 years of experience. I'm here to address any questions you may have about Plan B and its impact on pregnancy.

Plan B, also known as the emergency contraceptive pill, is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when a regular birth control method has failed. It's important to understand that **Plan B does not increase the chance of getting pregnant.** In fact, it does the opposite.

Here's how Plan B works:

* It delays or prevents ovulation: Plan B primarily works by delaying or preventing the release of an egg from the ovary, a process called ovulation. This is crucial because, for pregnancy to occur, an egg needs to be released and fertilized by sperm.
* **It may also interfere with fertilization:** Plan B may also interfere with the fertilization process itself, making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg, even if ovulation has already occurred.

**Plan B is not a substitute for regular birth control.** It is intended for emergency use only, and it should not be used as a regular method of contraception.

**Important points to remember about Plan B:**

* Effectiveness: Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, but it works best when taken as soon as possible. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy.
* Side effects: Some women may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and fatigue after taking Plan B. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
* Not a cure for STIs: Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you're concerned about STIs, it's important to get tested and use condoms to prevent them.

Understanding the misconception:

The misconception that Plan B increases the chance of pregnancy arises from a misunderstanding of its function. Some people believe that Plan B disrupts the body's natural hormonal balance, making it more likely to get pregnant in the future. However, this is not true.
Plan B is a single-dose medication that works to prevent pregnancy in a specific instance and does not have any long-term effects on fertility.

Conclusion:

Plan B is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It does not increase the chance of getting pregnant; in fact, it is designed to prevent pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns about Plan B, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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That'll increase the odds you're taking Plan B early enough to inhibit ovulation, thus decreasing the odds of pregnancy. ... The more one takes Plan B after unprotected sex, the more likely it is that you'll get pregnant--but not because the pill is less effective: the odds of a pregnancy after Plan B are still pretty slim.read more >>