Plan B Alternatives: Emergency Contraception Options and Where to Get…
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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Some Plan B alternatives are more effective and available quickly, but others are less convenient. Here are the best options and how to get them.
Share on Pinterest dmphoto/Getty ImagesA quick look at Plan B alternatives
Plan B may be one of the most talked about forms of emergency contraception (EC). But it’s not the only type available.
Read on for more information on Plan B alternatives, including:
It’s a good idea to plan ahead and keep emergency contraception like Plan B or alternatives on hand. This ensures you have quick access in case your regular contraception fails and you don’t have time to wait for a delivery.
Plan B alternatives
-ellaTake ActionAfterPillParagardCombined birth control pillsWhat it isA pill containing ulipristal acetateA levonorgestrel pillA levonorgestrel pillA copper intrauterine device (IUD)Regular birth controlHow effective it is85% if taken within 5 days75% to 89% if taken within 3 days75% to 89% if taken within 3 daysMore than 99.9% if taken within 5 days56% to 86% effective if taken within 5 daysCostAround $50Around $35$20 plus $5 shippingUp to $1,300$0 if you already have them (up to $50 a month if you don’t)How to get itPrescription requiredOver the counterOnlineMedical appointmentPrescriptionFastest delivery and more effective
ella
*Price may vary.
Healthline's review
Unlike Plan B, ella doesn’t contain levonorgestrel. Instead, it uses ulipristal acetate to stop the effects of a hormone called progesterone. In turn, this prevents or delays ovulation.
It can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is the most effective emergency contraception pill, reducing the chance of pregnancy by 85%, according to Planned Parenthood.
An analysis comparing ulipristal acetate (the active ingredient in ella) and levonorgestrel (the active ingredient in Plan B) found that users of ulipristal had 42% lower odds of pregnancy within 72 hours after sex and 65% lower odds within 24 hours compared to levonorgestrel users.
Ulipristal’s higher efficacy is likely because it can prevent ovulation even after the luteinizing hormone surge starts, whereas levonorgestrel cannot.
The major downside is that ella requires a prescription. You can get one online, but it’ll cost you more — usually around $90, including shipping. But health insurance or Medicaid should cover the cost.
A couple of other things you need to consider are that ella may not work as well if you weigh 195 lbs or more. And if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need to pump and get rid of any breastmilk for 36 hours after taking the pill.
Pros & cons
Product details
Most similar to Plan B and available quickly in store
Take Action
4.3 (808+) from Target
*Price may vary.
Healthline's review
Take Action works in an identical way to Plan B. That’s because it contains the same main ingredient — a synthetic version of progesterone called levonorgestrel that stops ovulation.
Although levonorgestrel pills may be effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex, they work best if taken within 3 days, lowering the chance of pregnancy by 75% to 89%. And the quicker you take one, the better.
The best part about EC pills like Take Action is that they’re available over the counter and don’t require a prescription. You should be able to find them in most pharmacies and drugstores.
Plus, as Take Action is a generic product, it’s cheaper than Plan B, usually costing about 20% less. But it, and other levonorgestrel pills, also have a weight warning — efficacy may be affected if you weigh 155 lbs or more or have a BMI of 30 or higher.
Pros & cons
Product details
Also similar to Plan B but requires pre-order
AfterPill
Healthline's review
AfterPill is another levonorgestrel pill that works in the same way and is just as effective as Plan B. But it’s a little different from the rest as it’s a lot cheaper, costing just $20.
Why? Because you can only buy AfterPill online.
There’s a downside to that though. While this EC pill is accessible to everyone with internet access, you do have to pre-order for it to arrive in time. Shipping costs $5 and takes 5 to 7 days. So, if you choose this method, make sure you order it ahead of time.
Just as with all the other levonorgestrel pills, you’ll need to be aware that weight of 155 lbs or a BMI of 30 can impact the pill’s effectiveness. It’s also worth noting that all EC pills can come with side effects like nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
Pros & cons
Product details
Most effective for all bodies but requires doctor visit
Paragard
*Price may vary.
Healthline's review
Paragard, also known as the copper IUD, has the highest efficacy of any type of emergency contraception with a failure rate of approximately 0.1%. This is more effective than both Plan B, with a pregnancy rate of 2% to 3%, and ella, with a pregnancy rate of 1.4%.
While Paragard isn’t typically thought of as traditional emergency contraception like Plan B or ella, it can still be used as such in certain situations. When inserted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse, Paragard can prevent pregnancy by affecting sperm motility and viability. It may also interfere with fertilization or implantation of the egg.
Paragard is just as effective if you have it inserted on day 5 after unprotected sex as it would be on day 1. Your weight has no bearing on this.
What’s more, you can keep it in for up to 10 years and use it as a regular form of birth control. This small plastic device contains copper, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
A medical professional will need to insert the device, so you’ll need to find and make an appointment within 5 days.
Side effects can range from cramping to bleeding for the first few days, weeks, or months.
It’s also pretty expensive, but you may be able to get one free or at a heavily reduced price if you have insurance coverage through Medicaid or another insurance provider.
Pros & cons
Product details
A less effective option you might already own
Nurx Birth Control
4.8 (26.5k+) from Nurx
*Price may vary.
Healthline's review
Some birth control pills — the combined type — can be used as emergency contraception. But the dosage differs, depending on the type of pill.
So it’s vital to speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional before choosing this method.
Usually, you’ll need to take two doses 12 hours apart, with the first dose taken within 5 days of unprotected sex.
It’s worth noting that combined oral contraceptive pills used for emergency contraception are the least effective method, with failure rates ranging from 2% to 3.5%. They also come with more side effects due to the high levels of estrogen.
Pros & cons
Product details
How to choose the right emergency contraceptive
As there are quite a few emergency contraception methods, it can be hard to know which one’s right for you.
There are three main things to think about. First, figure out how long ago you had unprotected sex.
For example, while “morning after” pills work better the quicker you take them, most can work for up to 5 days afterward. This includes all the ones we listed except for the AfterPill, which states you need to take it within 72 hours.
Then consider the kind of access you need. Some types are available over the counter, while others require a prescription or even a medical appointment.
Some forms are also more expensive than others.
For instance, ella, Take Action, AfterPill, and combined birth control pills (a month’s supply) are typically less than $50, while Paragard can be up to $1,300 out of pocket.
Finally, you’ll need to think about your body. Weight can affect how well some types of emergency contraception work. For instance, ella is more effective than other morning-after pills for people over 165 lbs. However, it’s less effective for those who weigh 195 lbs or more.
In addition, ella can pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. It’s recommended to avoid breastfeeding for at least 24 hours after taking ella.
Planning ahead
Emergency contraception, other than Paragard, is not designed to be used as regular birth control.
For starters, it’s not as effective and costs a lot more. So it’s a good idea to think about longer-lasting forms of protection, like the pill, patch, or shot. Alternatively, condoms are a hormone-free option.
Plus, thanks to the internet, it’s never been more convenient to get a birth control prescription.
Nurx offers regular shipments that insurance usually covers, but you can check out our reviews for other online birth control services. For specific information about coverage and costs, contact your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions
When can I use emergency contraception?
It’s most effective if used within a certain amount of time after sex — up to 5 days for some methods.
That’s because sperm can live in the body for a few days, waiting for an egg to be released. Emergency contraception stops or delays the process of ovulation.
But as so many factors can affect it, such as where you are in your menstrual cycle, it’s not 100% effective.
It’s most effective if used within a certain amount of time after sex — up to 5 days for some methods.
That’s because sperm can live in the body for a few days, waiting for an egg to be released. Emergency contraception stops or delays the process of ovulation.
But as so many factors can affect it, such as where you are in your menstrual cycle, it’s not 100% effective.
What can I do if I can’t afford Plan B?
As it’s branded, Plan B is the most expensive levonorgestrel EC pill.
But there are plenty of other levonorgestrel options — the cheapest is usually AfterPill, which can be bought online for $20 plus $5 shipping.
If you have Medicaid or other health insurance, you may be able to get various types of EC for free.
As it’s branded, Plan B is the most expensive levonorgestrel EC pill.
But there are plenty of other levonorgestrel options — the cheapest is usually AfterPill, which can be bought online for $20 plus $5 shipping.
If you have Medicaid or other health insurance, you may be able to get various types of EC for free.
Where can I get emergency contraceptives?
You can buy Plan B and any generic levonorgestrel pill over the counter at drugstores and pharmacies. They’re usually in the family planning aisle. But some stores may have them behind the counter.
Plus, they’re also available online.
Paragard and ella, however, will require a doctor’s appointment or prescription.
You can buy Plan B and any generic levonorgestrel pill over the counter at drugstores and pharmacies. They’re usually in the family planning aisle. But some stores may have them behind the counter.
Plus, they’re also available online.
Paragard and ella, however, will require a doctor’s appointment or prescription.
Do I need a prescription for Plan B?
You don’t need a prescription for Plan B or any of its levonorgestrel alternatives.
The only EC pill that does require a prescription is ella.
You don’t need a prescription for Plan B or any of its levonorgestrel alternatives.
The only EC pill that does require a prescription is ella.
Are there age restrictions to buy Plan B?
There used to be, but not anymore.
Any person can buy Plan B or its alternatives without showing ID.
There used to be, but not anymore.
Any person can buy Plan B or its alternatives without showing ID.
What can I do instead of Plan B?
If you need an alternative to Plan B for emergency contraception, consider the following options:
If you need an alternative to Plan B for emergency contraception, consider the following options:
What is better than Plan B?
Ella is often considered more effective than Plan B, especially if taken between 72 and 120 hours after unprotected sex. It’s also preferred for individuals over 165 lbs, although it may be less effective for those over 195 lbs.
For those seeking a nonhormonal option or long-term contraception, the copper IUD (Paragard) is highly effective, with a failure rate of about 0.1%.
Ella is often considered more effective than Plan B, especially if taken between 72 and 120 hours after unprotected sex. It’s also preferred for individuals over 165 lbs, although it may be less effective for those over 195 lbs.
For those seeking a nonhormonal option or long-term contraception, the copper IUD (Paragard) is highly effective, with a failure rate of about 0.1%.
The bottom line
Plan B is not the only EC that exists. There are other pills and even a long-lasting IUD to consider.
So weigh up your options and decide what’s best for you based on cost, accessibility, and effectiveness.
Posted : 2024-08-29 10:50
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