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How Effective Is Plan B Emergency Contraceptive In Preventing Pregnancy?

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Posted on Wed, 2 Dec 2015
Question: I took plan B but 18 hours later had unprotected sex again. I spoke to a nurse who told me the plan B should work. How accurate is this? Also, what if I was ovulating during this time?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
In your case its expected to be 90-95% effective

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to Health Care magic, I am Dr , Muhammad Ahmad , I have read your question closely, I understand your concern and will be helping you with your health related problem.

Plan B One-Step may reduce the risk of pregnancy by 95% when taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected intercourse and by 61% when taken between 48-72 hours

Even if you are ovulating at the time of sexual activity and you took it within 24 hours it will be effective by 95%, still it is not perfect , there is a margin of unlucky 5% but usually it Plan B makes one safe quite conveniently and rarely this method of contraception fails


I hope this answered your question, If you have more queries I am happy to answer you.
Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (2 minutes later)
But i had unprotected sex twice. I took plan B within 24 hours the first time but then had unprotected sex again 18 hours and did NOT take plan B again. Nurse said it would still work. Would you agree?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it would still work well.

Detailed Answer:
Hello ,

Thanks for writing back yes indeed I would agree it stays working for 72-100 hours sometimes so it gives protection for 2-3 days though efficacy keeps decreasing with time.. 18 hours is no time it will have a high efficacy in this time period.

Regards.

Dr.Ahmad
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Muhammad Ahmad

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1308 Questions

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How Effective Is Plan B Emergency Contraceptive In Preventing Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: In your case its expected to be 90-95% effective Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to Health Care magic, I am Dr , Muhammad Ahmad , I have read your question closely, I understand your concern and will be helping you with your health related problem. Plan B One-Step may reduce the risk of pregnancy by 95% when taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected intercourse and by 61% when taken between 48-72 hours Even if you are ovulating at the time of sexual activity and you took it within 24 hours it will be effective by 95%, still it is not perfect , there is a margin of unlucky 5% but usually it Plan B makes one safe quite conveniently and rarely this method of contraception fails I hope this answered your question, If you have more queries I am happy to answer you. Regards. Dr.Muhammad Ahmad