Plan B Review: 6 Things You Should Know

Taking the morning-after pill for the first time can be extremely anxiety-provoking. I know, because that was me once. I was just out of a really long-term relationship, had just engaged in some less-than-ideally protected sex, and woke up the next morning feeling nervous, to say the least. I knew plan Plan B was a thing, and I was pretty sure I had some friends who'd taken it, but it was never something I'd heard discussed openly. I didn't recall learning about it in sex ed at school (which now seems ludicrous). And I was too scared to google potential side effects. This total lack of information made my first Plan B experience pretty scary but now that I've had my fair share of encounters with the morning-after pill, I'm here to quell your concerns.

In the end, my first go-around with Plan B was smooth sailing. I managed to avoid any side effects and effectively dodged getting pregnant. But for my stress levels alone, I wished I'd better known what to expect before the whole ordeal.

According to ob-gyn Felice Gersh, founder and director of the Integrative Medical Practice of Irvine in Irvine, California, my experience is hardly unique. There's so little education surrounding Plan B, so let's break it down really simple. What is Plan B exactly? It's an over-the-counter, non-prescription pill containing 1.5 milligrams of a hormone called levonorgestrel. Plan B is the brand; the "morning-after pill" is the generic term. The medication inside works "to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation [of an egg]," Gersh says.

It's also important to make clear that the morning-after pill is not an abortion pill, despite the many creepy rumors that pervade our culture. It will absolutely not affect an existing pregnancy. "If you've already got an implanted embryo, it won't work!" says Gersh.

Now that we're all on the same page, keep scrolling for six helpful things to know before taking Plan B for the first time—facts I wish I'd known myself and am thrilled to be sharing with you.

#1. Taking it “the morning after” isn't actually necessary … but it is recommended.

So many people think you have to take Plan B the morning after for it to work (because, hello, "morning-after pill"), but that's not exactly true. You have 72 hours, the average amount of time it takes for a sperm to fertilize an egg, to prevent the pregnancy.

That said, you still want to take the pill as soon as you can. "It's not foolproof," Gersh warns. If you take the pill within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it'll be 95% effective. Wait 72 hours though, and you're looking at 89% effectiveness. Either way, taking your birth control properly is overall more effective than Plan B, so it's not recommended to use the morning-after pill as your contraception method of choice (especially because it can get expensive… more on that in a bit). 

#2. It might temporarily change your menstrual cycle.

Because we're dealing with reproductive hormones here, you might notice changes in your period right after you take Plan B. Your flow might be heavier, lighter, or irregular. And it's probable that you'll spot at least a little between when you take it and your next period. It's also worth the reminder here that because the morning-after pill is not a 100% guarantee against fertilization, if your bleeding gets weird and you're feeling worried, take a pregnancy test just to make sure. 

#3. You may encounter a side effect or two.

I actually wrote a whole separate story on Plan B side effects, which you can check out for more details, but basically, there are only a few potential side effects you really need to know about (despite all the terrifying ones listed around the internet). Mild fatigue and dizziness, headaches, nausea and belly pain, and menstrual changes are the most common side effects. Your individual hormone levels, sensitivity to hormones, and history of pregnancy/abortion will influence whether or not you experience any of these. 

#4. But not everyone does!

Like I mentioned, my experience with Plan B was pretty much effortless, which shocked me, because I was expecting the worst. Based on what I'd heard through the grapevine, I thought that feeling exhausted and crampy was a definite, so I bought a giant bottle of Advil and canceled my evening plans figuring I'd feel like death for at least a day. But I've taken Plan B half a dozen times over the course of my life now and have literally experienced zero side effects.

This is not to say that Plan B side effects are a total lie; it's just that everyone's body is different, and you likely won't have the exact same experience as anyone you know (or anyone on the internet).

#5. Here's how much it costs and where to find it:

Don't worry—Plan B is easier to come by than you might think. You can find it at major drugstores and retailers like Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and RiteAid. You can also get it at Planned Parenthood. You don't need a prescription; you don't need to be over 18. If the morning-after pill is locked up or behind the counter, you might have to ask the pharmacist or an employee to grab it for you—but again, you don't need a prescription or to show them your ID.

Plan B One-Step will run you between $40 and $50. There are also a couple of other morning-after pill brands called Take Action and My Way, which generally cost less ($20 to $40).

There's also a generic brand called AfterPill, which you can order online for just $20. You can't overnight it in time to take within 72 hours, but you can stock up ahead of time for future emergencies.

#6. Any emotions you have about it are totally valid. Know you're not alone.

What people talk about even less than the practical details of Plan B are the emotional side effects. I didn't anticipate feeling any type of way about taking it for the first time, but I did end up feeling a little bit of shame afterward. Our society tells us that if we have unsafe sex, it's all the woman's fault—you're morally flawed if you have to take Plan B. Apparently no one is spared from slut-shaming culture, not even someone with my IDGAF attitude.

I'm lucky to have incredibly supportive friends who made me feel very validated and empowered. But just know that whatever feelings follow your first time taking Plan B, you're not alone. "Be sure to pamper yourself and deal with any emotions have," Gersh told us. "Be open and honest if any mixed feelings should come out!" (Hormone changes from the pill could also make your emotions kinda screwy.) Consulting a friend who's had a similar experience or journaling about it can be super helpful.

Next up: Does Birth Control Cause Dark Spots? Here's What You Should Know