Plan B One-Step: 3 Common Myths and Misconceptions

August 9, 2018 by Joi Light

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LetsTalkPlanB #CollectiveBias #ad

I have to start this post off by commending whoever has progressed the movement in the women’s health market and made female contraceptives more easily accessible, and even more acceptable for that matter.

Back in the day (something that old people say because I’m old) there was no ‘Plan B One-Step’. It was only referred to as “the morning after pill” and you couldn’t get it without getting a full exam at a women’s clinic or a prescription from your own personal OB/GYN. This old process of obtaining Plan B in itself led to many speculations that is was an abortion pill and that it also affected fertility. For starters, it is not an abortion pill and it will not affect a beginning or existing pregnancy.

Plan B works mainly by delaying ovulation – it helps to prevent pregnancy BEFORE it begins after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Also, taking it will not impact a woman’s future (or long-term) fertility.

However, fast-forward to 2018 where it is now available over-the-counter and without a prescription. I was able to go to Walgreen’s and make a normal consumer purchase to get it, as if I was buying any other product on the shelf. Keep in mind that if you’re looking for the product and cannot locate it within the store, you can always ask the pharmacist and they will be able to help. At the first location that I went to, Walgreen’s- it was sold out! So clearly, there are women that either don’t believe the myths associated with Plan B or have done their research and discovered that these common myths about the product are no more than misconceptions. Because I care so much about the women that follow and support me, I did the research for you guys and found 3 common misconceptions about Plan-B.

Here are 3 common myths and misconceptions about Plan B

1) You need a prescription for Plan B: FALSE

As explained earlier, it’s as easy as 1-go to any major retail store, 2-purchase it over the counter, 3-take the pill according to the label and go about your life. I made my purchase in the ‘Sexual Health’ aisle at Target and was required to present ZERO paperwork or id. Target actually had the physical coupons at the store, but here’s a link to a digital one in case they run out of coupons or you purchase elsewhere, click here.

2) You can only take Plan B the morning after: FALSE

Before I say no, that it is ‘false’, please know that the sooner you take it after unprotected sex or birth control failure, the better (more effective) it will work. Plan B must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or birth control failure. Be sure to follow the specific directions on the package, and you are welcome to ask the pharmacist in the store any additional questions. It is 87.5% effective when taken as directed.

3) Plan B can replace regular birth control: FALSE

C’mon guys, I know you know better than that! Do not try to replace regular birth control with an avid use of Plan B. It has an active ingredient, levonorgestrel, which IS the same ingredient in many common birth control pills, but at a higher, single dose.

Plan B One-Step is just that, the emergency contraceptive backup plan. Let regular birth control methods be your “plan A” and only if “plan A” fails should you use Plan B One-Step; and in that case, follow the specific directions to make sure Plan B can work for you and help prevent pregnancy.

Plan B is pretty popular as an emergency contraception method, and the myths and misconceptions sometimes overshadow its ability to help those out that are in a bind. I wanted to get an idea about how my followers on IG felt about it, so I conducted a brief poll on my Instagram story to see how my followers felt. See below:

To me, emergency contraceptives are more than Women’s Health, it’s supporting family planning. It takes two to tango, therefore it takes two to decide options and Plan B is a GREAT option to prevent a pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex for those that have made decisions in the heat of the moment. Men should feel just as comfortable purchasing Plan B, simply because they can. You don’t need an id or a prescription, and there is no age restriction. So all are welcome to purchase this awesome back up option when it is needed!