Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that can help prevent pregnancy in the event your primary birth control fails or you have unprotected sex. It’s safe and won’t affect your future fertility.

Plan B contains a concentrated dose of levonorgestrel, the same hormone found in some oral contraceptives. It works by blocking ovulation – when your body makes a follicle that’s ready to become pregnant – from occurring.

It’s expensive

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, can prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation so an egg doesn’t become fertilized. Unfortunately, this medication is quite costly – typically costing $15 to $45.

That’s a lot of money for one dose of emergency contraception, but you can get it for as little as $8 at discount pharmacies like Costco or Walmart, and some health insurance plans cover the cost.

You can save even more by searching for coupons on GoodRx, a website that searches for discounts on prescriptions. With their services, you could potentially save $10 to $15 off Plan B at Walgreens, Target and CVS–but remember: to take advantage of the coupon, you must bring in your prescription with you.

Unfortunately, finding a cheap price on this medication can be challenging if you’re not in a rush. Many pharmacies don’t carry it at all or store it in locked cabinets that make accessing it difficult.

Pharmacists report that Plan B is often stolen. This makes it difficult to cover losses and could result in pharmacies losing business.

The pill works by altering the lining of the uterus so sperm have difficulty finding an egg to fertilize. It also delays ovulation so an egg doesn’t come out, and does not interfere with implantation after a fertilized egg has been placed in the womb.

However, taking Plan B too frequently may cause unpleasant side effects like nausea and vomiting. That is why it is essential to take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but no more than once within 72 hours.

It’s not effective for everyone

Plan B is an emergency contraception option that works when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. But its efficacy depends on when taken and your cycle stage.

Plan B is most effective before ovulation, when an egg leaves the ovary. By taking Plan B, you delay ovulation so no egg is available for sperm to fertilize and thin the lining of your uterus so sperm cannot enter to fertilize an egg.

Once ovulating, however, it’s too late and Plan B won’t help prevent pregnancy. That is why it is critical to take an antidepressant as soon as possible after unprotected sexual activity in order to achieve the best results.

Plan B is easy to find at many pharmacies and family planning or health department clinics. You don’t need a prescription or ID to purchase it here and it’s usually kept behind the counter.

If you can’t locate it, ask if they have any in stock. You may even be able to purchase it online if there’s no local pharmacy nearby that carries it.

Plan B may become ineffective if taken more than 72 hours after unprotected sexual activity or if you vomit after taking it. In either case, take a replacement dose as soon as possible to maximize its effectiveness.

Women with a higher body mass index (BMI) tend to have less success using Plan B than those without. That being said, it is still safe for those with high BMIs to use this form of birth control.

It’s not safe

Plan B is an emergency contraception (EC) that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your birth control method fails during intercourse. It works by slowing ovulation and altering the lining of your reproductive tract, making it harder for sperm to find an egg to fertilize, as well as altering uterine lining which could interfere with implantation.

Women with a higher body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing your weight by height, may find less benefit from using this treatment. While the exact cause is still unclear, some researchers think hormone production in the ovaries could play a role.

Women who are overweight or obese can still use Plan B, but it’s best to consult their doctor first. They may suggest another form of emergency contraception such as Ella or a non-hormonal implant instead.

Some medications can reduce the effectiveness of Plan B. Examples include those to treat HIV or tuberculosis, as well as medications for seizures. If you’re taking any of these, make sure your doctor knows before beginning use of Plan B.

Plan B is not a one-size fits all solution when it comes to unprotected sexual activity, so make sure you take it promptly after your episode of unprotected sex so that the medication can enter your system and start working right away.

Taken more than once daily, week, or month isn’t recommended but isn’t detrimental either. It’s only when you rely on it too heavily that it could begin to affect your fertility.

It’s not effective for people with high blood pressure

Plan B is an ideal option for women who wish to avoid pregnancy while keeping their blood pressure and glucose levels under control. Unfortunately, it should not be used by pregnant women since it could result in miscarriage or birth defects in the unborn child.

It’s essential to remember that this type of contraception may not be as effective as other methods such as condoms or the pill. Therefore, consulting your healthcare provider prior to beginning this type of contraception is highly recommended.

High blood pressure may make this medication ineffective, as it causes your pulse to drop too low for your body to handle the additional strain of pregnancy. Therefore, if taking a progestin-only pill like Plan B, make sure your doctor monitors you and take the medication exactly as prescribed.

When selecting an oral contraceptive, gender and age are factors to consider. Women in their 30s may want to try natural methods of conception rather than taking an oral contraceptive that has an increased chance of resulting in miscarriage or birth defects.

It’s no shock that some of the most popular and effective forms of contraception also have minimal detrimental effects on your overall health and well-being. So if you have diabetes, make sure you do your research before selecting which type is suitable for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options available; your healthcare provider can recommend which is best suited to you.

It’s not effective for people with diabetes

If you have diabetes, it’s important to discuss your options for birth control with your doctor. With a reliable contraceptive, you can choose when it’s best to start a family and keep your body healthy during pregnancy.

Hormonal birth control pills are the most reliable form of contraception for people living with diabetes. They can be prescribed by a physician and cost around $30 per month.

The pill contains synthetic estrogen and the progestin hormone norgestimate. While this combination is generally safe for women with diabetes, some individuals may experience insulin resistance from taking it.

Some women with diabetes have reported that their insulin needs nearly tripled when taking the pill. This increase is likely due to estrogen present in the pill, so it’s essential for women with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and adjust their doses of insulin accordingly.

For people with diabetes who desire permanent birth control, copper IUD (intrauterine device) can be implanted into the uterus. Unfortunately, this option may have side effects like heavier bleeding and intense cramping that could prove more challenging to manage than taking regular birth control pills.

No matter which method you select, always keep it at room temperature to maintain its effectiveness. Furthermore, be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you’re taking prior to beginning a new contraceptive method.

You can learn more about contraceptive methods for women with diabetes on the National Institutes of Health website. They provide detailed descriptions of each method and explain how it functions.