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How Effective Is Plan B Emergency Contraceptive In Preventing Pregnancy?

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Posted on Thu, 4 Feb 2016
Question: I had unprotected sex on days 8 and 9 of my 31-31 day cycle... He pulled out before ejaculation and we did this 4 times... I took Plan B within the first 24 hours.. Can I get pregnant despite these circumstances?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The possibility is much less because you took Plan B.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

If you took Plan B, the chances of getting pregnant are much less. Since you took Plan B within 24 hours, it is 95% effective, providing that you do not weigh over 165 pounds. It is less effective between 165 - 176 lbs and ineffective over that weight. So Plan B can work well but not as well as a contraceptive. It can also mess up your cycles and is not meant to be used frequently.

Your risk is also low if he did not ejaculate in or near your vagina, although this is not a reliable form of birth control because sometimes men begin ejaculating before they are aware that they are doing so.

Since you have been sexually active and repeatedly, I would strongly advise getting on a continuous form of birth control such as the pill or IUD. There are other options as well. But without a reliable form of birth control, you will likely find yourself in a worried state (or pregnant) frequently.

You can see your primary care doctor or a gynecologist for help with birth control, and there are also free or low cost contraceptive clinics such as your local public health department may provide. Planned Parenthood is another good option if you don't want to go to your own doctor.

I hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (29 minutes later)
And today I went to the bathroom and saw blood when I cleaned myself... Is that normal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes - the Plan B can make your irregular.

Detailed Answer:
This is most likely spotting or irregular bleeding because Plan B can mess up your normal cycle of hormones. So there is the possibility you can get spotting, and your period may be earlier or later, shorter or longer, and different flow.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)
And when is the soonest I can take a pregnancy test (blood test) if I had intercourse on January 1st and took the pill that same day?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You can take a HPT as early as 1st dy of expected period.

Detailed Answer:
If your periods have been regular in the past, you can take a home pregnancy test (urine) as soon as the first day of the expected period. The most accurate time for the test is 1 week (or more) after the first day of the expected period.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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How Effective Is Plan B Emergency Contraceptive In Preventing Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: The possibility is much less because you took Plan B. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, If you took Plan B, the chances of getting pregnant are much less. Since you took Plan B within 24 hours, it is 95% effective, providing that you do not weigh over 165 pounds. It is less effective between 165 - 176 lbs and ineffective over that weight. So Plan B can work well but not as well as a contraceptive. It can also mess up your cycles and is not meant to be used frequently. Your risk is also low if he did not ejaculate in or near your vagina, although this is not a reliable form of birth control because sometimes men begin ejaculating before they are aware that they are doing so. Since you have been sexually active and repeatedly, I would strongly advise getting on a continuous form of birth control such as the pill or IUD. There are other options as well. But without a reliable form of birth control, you will likely find yourself in a worried state (or pregnant) frequently. You can see your primary care doctor or a gynecologist for help with birth control, and there are also free or low cost contraceptive clinics such as your local public health department may provide. Planned Parenthood is another good option if you don't want to go to your own doctor. I hope this helps.