For those who haven’t had the misfortune of purchasing or using it, the Plan B pill is a post-coital form of contraceptive that is meant as an emergency means of protection. It acts similarly to daily birth control pills, dumping a large amount of hormones that delay ovulation.
One pack of Plan B includes two pills and can cost anywhere from $10-70. You can call your local Planned Parenthood to find out if they have free or cheap doses available.
Planned Parenthood lists the most common side effects as being relatively mild, including nausea, headaches, cramping and dizziness. The pill should not be confused with an “abortion” pill, as it does not affect a fetus — it just delays ovulation and cannot prevent any STIs. This also means that if you take it too late and do get pregnant, the pill will not negatively affect the baby.
The Plan B pill is meant for use when proactive contraceptives fail, such as a broken condom, a missed birth control pill or that awkward moment when you realize that you thought she was on birth control, you thought he was wearing a condom or you both thought your roommate was asleep. This is followed by that awkward moment when your roommate begins a slow clap because hey, you already made eye contact and you may as well embrace it.
A lot of rumors have been spread about the Plan B pill by pro-life and religious organizations that try to rope all contraception into the same circle of sinning. Because some women are concerned about discussing regular birth control with their family or healthcare providers, some are choosing the Plan B pill as a regular form of contraceptive, which is simply not safe.
First of all, the pill is called Plan B for a reason — it implies there is a “Plan A.” Only a condom can protect from STIs, and regular birth control is healthier for a woman’s body. Some women fear that regular birth control can lead to weight gain, which is true, but the Plan B pill is like nuking your body with hormones, and regular use can have similar side effects.
Also, Plan B is much more expensive than daily birth control or using a condom each time. There are many different types of daily birth control pills for women and finding the right one can actually reduce discomfort during a menstrual cycle.
What you should take away from this is, for females, there are better options than the Plan B pill. Obviously there are unforeseen situations where this form of contraceptive is needed, and using it every once in a while shouldn’t have any lasting effects on your body.
If you are uncomfortable discussing this with your family or a 20-year-old male journalist for Otterbein, call Planned Parenthood and they will provide you with honest information and assistance, financially and emotionally.
Ideally, a man should use a condom, even if his partner is on birth control, and be open with his significant other about contraceptives. It’s better to have an awkward conversation with your partner now than an even more uncomfortable conversation with your parents (and soon to be grandparents) later.
