Plan b how do i get it

Generic levonorgestrel pills cost less and work in the exact same way. No insurance? You may be able to get EC for free or at a much lower cost at a family planning clinic or local health department. Plan B is available over the counter at drugstores and pharmacies. Family planning clinics and local health departments, as well as Planned Parenthood centers, also offer the morning-after pill.

Note that delivery takes around 4 to 6 days. If you get a positive result, talk with a healthcare professional for advice on the options that are available to you. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation. Most importantly, it is said to remain consistently effective when taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, reducing the risk of pregnancy by 85 percent. The only drawback is that you need a prescription to get hold of ella.

Plus, it can be pricier than Plan B. A copper intrauterine device IUD can be inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization up to 5 days after unprotected sex. There are no long-term side effects. But ella does have a limitation: The label says you should only take it once during a single menstrual cycle.

You may also notice changes in heaviness or light spotting in between taking the pill and your next period. Plan B One-Step consists of one pill , which should be taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, missing a contraceptive pill, or contraception failure.

The pill can be taken with or without food, and should be swallowed whole, preferably with water. Plan B should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, for a higher efficacy rate. Levonorgestrel works to halt pregnancy before it takes place.

Plan B is most effective if taken within 72 hours. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the medication might not be able to prevent pregnancy. Lauren Sharkey is a U. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.

Using contraception effectively Will antibiotics stop my contraception working? What if my partner won't use condoms? Where can I get emergency contraception morning after pill, IUD? How effective is emergency contraception? When can I use contraception after a baby or while breastfeeding? Where can I get contraception? Missed pills and extra pills What should I do if I miss a pill combined pill?

What should I do if I miss a pill progestogen-only pill? What if I've lost a pill? What if I've taken an extra pill by accident? What if I'm on the pill and I'm sick or have diarrhoea?

How do I change to a different pill? Will a pregnancy test work if I'm on the pill? Does the pill interact with other medicines? The website advises people to wear a cloth face covering for in-person appointments and reschedule their visit if they are experiencing shortness of breath, fever, or cough. The package comes with a shipping weight of 0. Plan B One-Step can cause side effects for some people. According to the FDA , some reported side effects include:.

The most common side effect of Plan B One-Step is heavier menstrual bleeding. Otherwise, the FDA generally regards the medication as safe. In addition, People who are breastfeeding, or chestfeeding, can use the medication without adverse effects. A person considering taking Plan B should talk with their doctor if they take other medications. The following medications reduce the effectiveness of Plan B:. Plan B One-Step can provide the most effective birth control when taken within 12 hours.

However, a person should not use the medication as their primary form of birth control. An individual has several birth control options. Reversible birth control options include:.

In some cases, a person may want a more permanent solution. A person with female reproductive organs can have a tubal ligation , in which a doctor will remove or block the fallopian tubes. A person with male reproductive organs can have a vasectomy , in which a doctor will block or remove the tubes that transport sperm. Though often referred to as permanent procedures, in most cases, doctors can reverse them.

A person may use a different form of emergency contraceptive if they prefer. Some generic versions that are effective as Plan B when people take them within 72 hours of unprotected sex include:. Learn more about the Take Action emergency contraception pill here. A person may also wish to take Ella , which is the branded version of ulipristal acetate.

It is available with a prescription. Learn more about the morning-after pill here. People should not use the Plan B One-Step as a regular birth control pill. They should discuss with their doctor if they are interested in learning more about regular birth control and the options that are suitable for them.

Planned Parenthood also recommends that individuals ask a doctor to determine if Plan B is safe for them. This is because levonorgestrel morning-after pills may not work if a person is taking other medications, including:. Plan B is a single-dose tablet. A person can take the tablet for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but sooner is better.

Ideally, a person would take Plan B as soon as possible after having sex without using barrier contraception or having concerns that their contraception failed. Prices can vary for Plan B.

However, it may be best to buy the medication at a local pharmacy due to its time-limited effectiveness. This means that most insurance companies will not cover the costs.