Plan b how much it cost

Things you buy through our links may earn New York a commission. In cases like these, many of us turn to emergency contraceptive pills like Plan B. But what exactly is Plan B, and how does it work? Will your insurance cover it? Do you need a prescription? Plan B One-Step — as well as its generic counterparts, including Take Action, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way — is an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel, a concentrated synthetic version of the hormone progestin. According to Dr.

Tara Shirazian, a gynecologist at NYU Langone Health, levonorgestrel works by inhibiting the hormone surge that triggers ovulation. In other words, when taken soon after unprotected sex, Plan B prevents you from ovulating, thereby preventing you from getting pregnant.

This is different from an abortion, which terminates a pregnancy. Any person, regardless of age, can buy Plan B One-Step and generic emergency contraceptive pills over the counter at your local pharmacy or drugstore, or at a health clinic, such as Planned Parenthood.

There used to be age restrictions to purchase emergency contraception, but the Food and Drug Administration struck them down in recent years. While most stores carry the emergency-contraceptive pills on shelves, some keep them behind the pharmacy counter, so be sure to check both places. You can also buy Plan B and its generic forms on Amazon. However, depending on how recently you had unprotected sex, this may not be the most efficient way to get the pill, which is more effective the sooner you take it.

The copper IUD, also known as the Paragard, may be used as emergency birth control if inserted within five days of conception. It is also the most effective form of emergency contraception, according to a review of 35 years of study.

More specifically, the copper IUDs were That's 10 times more effective than the average emergency contraception pill. Note: A menstrual cup is not a form of birth control, meaning that it is not a diaphragm. These are exclusively reserved for period care and are not designed to prevent pregnancy or STIs. Most experts recommend inserting a copper IUD within five to seven days of unprotected sex. Why would copper be more effective than the morning after pill?

Copper ions are toxic to sperm, thus the copper IUD's high rate of efficacy in terms of emergency contraception. Remember that IUDs must be inserted by medical professionals, and thus require an appointment with a gynecologist or at a clinic like Planned Parenthood.

The Copper IUD can be used as a form of non-hormonal birth control for up to 12 years. Plan B and other alternatives become less effective the longer a person waits to take it. This is due to the former's ability to disrupt uterine hormones. The third alternative, oral contraception that contains progestin and estrogen, are the least effective.

Efficacy is usually measured in terms of the number of pregnancies over a period of time considered in a study. Keep in mind that there are a lot of factors that neither science nor an individual can account for when thinking of these statistics, such as what percentage of women would become pregnant without it or external factors. If taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, this one capsule may prevent fertilization, temporarily stop the ovary from releasing an egg, prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall, or endometrium.

It will not stop an existing pregnancy, and should not be used as regular birth control. After Pill may not offer expedited shipping, meaning that someone should have it on hand if they intend on using it. Otherwise, it may not arrive within the window of highest efficacy. The cheapest morning after pill may be online or in stores with a coupon or at a local clinic. Some insurance companies may cover Plan B. However, they may require a prescription for coverage.

At the time of writing, coupons were available directly from the Plan B website, CVS pharmacy, Dealsplus, Single Care, Helprx and more websites accessible through a google search. Bear in mind that some coupons are reserved for prescriptions, not over-the-counter emergency contraception. No one likes to take the Plan B pill, mostly due to the potential for side effects.

A study of Levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate found that some of the most common morning after pill side effects include:. Dizziness, abdominal pain, and queasiness are not uncommon. It may also affect when someone gets their period and their PMS symptoms.

If you have any concerns about these side effects, please speak with your gynecologist. Some women take anti-nausea medication such as Dramamine to mitigate Plan B side effects.

For many people, taking Plan B One Step is not a choice but a necessity. No matter why someone takes it, it's essential to know the facts about efficacy, side effects, and alternative forms of emergency contraception. If you have any specific questions, it's best to speak with your doctor or go to a clinic for more information. Just added to your cart.

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