What happens if you take Plan B twice in one week?

This brief article will discuss the potential side effects of taking Plan B, commonly known as ‘the morning-after pill’, twice in one week. We will also discuss how often this medication should be taken and ways to ensure its safe and effective use. 

What happens if you take Plan B twice in one week?

Taking Plan B twice in one week is not likely to cause any harm, but some women may experience mild side effects. Generally, Plan B can be taken more than once a week if needed (1). Taking it twice won’t affect the hormonal balance in your body or the contraceptive effects of the drug.

However, Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill and you should not rely on it for long-term contraception. It should only be used in case of failure of other methods or after having unprotected sexual intercourse (1). 

What are the side effects associated with taking Plan B twice a week?

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is associated with some side effects but is mostly well-tolerated. Taking it more often can cause side effects like (2):

These side effects are generally considered mild and they begin to subside as the concentration of the medication drops down in your blood. However, Plan B might not be the best choice of contraceptive pill for every other woman and some may experience rare side effects.

When should Plan B be taken?

Plan B should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex or if your regular birth control method fails.

It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of the unprotected sexual encounter, but it can still provide some level of protection up to 120 hours (5 days) after (2,3). However, the sooner you take it, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy. 

Remember, Plan B is not meant to be used as a regular form of birth control, but as an emergency option in case of unexpected situations. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

How to ensure the safe and effective use of Plan B?

To ensure the safe and effective use of Plan B, it’s essential to take it as directed and not use it more often than necessary. 

Always follow the recommended dosage, which usually involves taking a single pill as directed on the package. It’s recommended not to take more than one dose at a time or use Plan B frequently, as it may not be as effective and can lead to potential side effects (3).

Keep in mind that Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it’s essential to practice safe sex by using condoms or other barrier methods to reduce the risk of STIs.

What are the alternative birth control methods for long-term use? 

When it comes to birth control options for long-term use, there are several effective methods available to suit different preferences and needs. 

Long-term birth control methods are an excellent choice for individuals who want reliable and convenient contraception without the need for daily or frequent administration (4). 

These methods provide effective prevention of pregnancy for an extended period, offering peace of mind and consistent protection. 

Some of the long-term birth control methods include: (5)

  • Intrauterine Device (IUD)
  • Contraceptive Implant
  • Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)
  • Copper IUD (Non-hormonal)
  • Birth Control Patch
  • Vaginal Ring

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the most suitable long-term birth control method based on individual health, lifestyle, and preferences. Each method has its benefits and considerations and your doctor can help you choose the best one for you. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the potential side effects of using Plan B twice in one week. We have also talked about some better and more promising long-term contraception methods, as Plan B should only be used in case of emergencies. 

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References

1.-

Vrettakos C, Bajaj T. Levonorgestrel. 2023 May 22. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30969559. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539737

2.-

National Library of Medicine. Levonorgestrel: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610021.html

3.-

LABEL: PLAN B- levonorgestrel tablet. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=fffebd01-3815-425f-8293-1ad909d0d0ab&type=pdf

4.-

Brown A. Long-term contraceptives. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2010 Oct;24(5):617-31. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2010.04.005. Epub 2010 Jun 16. PMID: 20558111. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20558111/

5.-

Colquitt CW, Martin TS. Contraceptive Methods. J Pharm Pract. 2017 Feb;30(1):130-135. doi: 10.1177/0897190015585751. Epub 2016 Jul 8. PMID: 26033795. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26033795/