Hi there, I'm Dr. Smith, a board-certified OB/GYN. I understand you have a question about emergency contraception, specifically Plan B, and its effectiveness after two days. Let's delve into that.

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is a type of emergency contraception (EC) that can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It contains a higher dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, which is similar to the hormone progesterone found in many regular birth control pills.

How Plan B Works:

Plan B primarily works by delaying ovulation. If taken before ovulation, it can effectively prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. This significantly reduces the chances of sperm meeting an egg and fertilization occurring.

Effectiveness and Time Sensitivity:

Here's the crucial part: Plan B is most effective the sooner it's taken after unprotected sex. The effectiveness gradually decreases over time.

* Within 72 hours (3 days): When taken within 72 hours, Plan B can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%.
* Between 72 and 120 hours (3-5 days): While Plan B can still be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, its effectiveness significantly declines during this period. The exact reduction in effectiveness is difficult to quantify, but it's important to know that it's less likely to prevent pregnancy compared to taking it within the first 72 hours.

**Your Situation: Taking Plan B After 2 Days**

If you've had unprotected sex and are two days out, taking Plan B is still a viable option. While it might be slightly less effective than taking it within the first 24 hours, it can still significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant.

Important Considerations:

1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: While I can provide general information, it's always best to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional. They can assess your individual circumstances, confirm if Plan B is appropriate for you, and address any specific questions or concerns.
2. Other EC Options: Depending on your situation and medical history, your healthcare provider might recommend other emergency contraceptive options, such as a copper IUD, which can be more effective than Plan B even several days after unprotected sex.
3. Future Contraception: This situation highlights the importance of having a reliable form of regular contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the best method for you.

Remember: Plan B is intended for emergency situations and shouldn't be used as a regular method of contraception.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or need more guidance.
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Plan B. The Plan B package instructions state that you should take 1 white pill within 72 hours after unprotected sex and 1 more white pill 12 hours later. Each dose contains 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel. The two pills are identical; it does not matter which pill you take first.read more >>