“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” We can thank John Lennon for that lovely quote, and women of all ages can thank Levonorgestrel, or Plan B for letting them stick to their life plans when they need it the most. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that is used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. For example, if the condom broke, or you were forced to have sex, or if you missed your birth control pills for more than two days in a row, the Plan B pill is safe backup protection from pregnancy. However, a regular form of birth control, like condoms, the pill, or the ring, is still necessary to have safe sex.

Plan B is offered without a prescription to women 18 years and older, but a prescription is necessary for women younger than 18. Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours. However, new studies are showing that the pill can still be effective if taken within five days. This pill will not “undo” a pregnancy, that is to say, if you are already pregnant this pill will have no effect. This pill is not RU-486, more commonly known as the “abortion pill”.

Taking Plan B is safe and simple. The first pill is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex for most effectiveness. The second pill is taken 12 hours after you take the first pill. Plan B works like hormone birth control pills. It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg and prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. Plan B will not affect an existing pregnancy and does not prevent you from contracting an STI like condoms do. This is not a type of birth control that should be used regularly. It is a backup method to be used infrequently.

Plan B is offered at the Campus Health Center. If you have more questions concerning Plan B or other types of birth control, you should contact your gynecologist or the health office at extension 1265.