Emergency contraception from Nurx costs as little as $0 with insurance or $45 per pill without insurance.
Emergency contraceptives, like Plan B® or its generics, can be taken within 5 days after having unprotected sex, and ideally within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
However, they’re not meant for regular use. While there’s no specific limit on how often Plan B® can be taken, using it frequently can disrupt your menstrual cycle and cause side effects. Emergency contraception works best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and should be considered a backup method, not your primary form of birth control.
What is Plan B® emergency contraception?
The Plan B® (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) emergency contraceptive is an emergency contraception pill containing levonorgestrel, a hormone that helps reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex.
You can purchase it over the counter without a prescription. It’s most effective within 72 hours but may still work up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. Plan B® is not an abortion pill—it will not affect an existing pregnancy.
How does Plan B® prevent pregnancy?
Plan B® primarily delays or prevents ovulation (the release of an egg). Without an egg, fertilization cannot occur. It may also thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg and affecting the uterine lining, although these are secondary effects.
What happens if you use Plan B® frequently?
Frequent use of Plan B® isn’t linked to long-term health problems, but it can make your cycle unpredictable. You may notice spotting, changes in flow, or side effects like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue and headaches
- Heavier or lighter periods than normal
- Unpredictable bleeding patterns
Are there long-term risks from EC pills?
The World Health Organization (WHO) doesn’t call out any serious long-term health risks from repeated Plan B® use. The medication doesn’t affect future fertility or increase cancer risk.
Instead, the main concerns with frequent use are the temporary side effects and the fact that Plan B® is less effective than regular birth control methods at preventing pregnancy over time.
How often is too often for Plan B®?
There’s no medical definition of “too often” for Plan B®, but if you’re using it more than once in a cycle or several times a year, it’s a sign that a regular birth control method may be a better fit.
Plan B® is about 81% to 89% effective when taken within 72 hours, compared to higher rates of effectiveness for many regular birth control methods when used correctly.
Can I take Plan B® twice in a week?
Yes, you can take Plan B® twice in one week if you need to. It’s considered safe, but taking it multiple times in a short period may cause noticeable changes to your menstrual cycle, like irregular bleeding or timing shifts.
If you find yourself needing emergency contraception this often, it’s a good idea to explore regular birth control methods that offer more reliable protection.
Can I take an EC pill three times a month?
Yes, it’s possible to take emergency contraception three times in one month, but it’s not recommended. Using it this often can cause significant changes to your menstrual cycle and make your period harder to predict.
Regular birth control methods are more effective, have fewer side effects with consistent use, and are usually more affordable than relying on emergency contraception multiple times.
How to manage Plan B® side effects?
Most Plan B® side effects are mild and resolve within a few days. To manage common side effects:
- Take the pill with food to reduce nausea
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches or cramps
- Rest if you feel fatigued
- Wear a supportive bra for breast tenderness
- Track any bleeding or spotting
- Contact a healthcare provider if you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill
How to manage frequent emergency contraception use
If you’ve needed Plan B® multiple times, that’s a sign it may be time to switch to a regular birth control method that fits your lifestyle. Nurx offers more than 50 options of birth control—including pills, patches, and rings—that provide reliable ongoing protection.
Our medical practitioners can help you choose the method that works best for your health history and preferences, with discreet home delivery and ongoing support to make sure you feel confident in your birth control.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.
Levonorgestrel tablet (generic Plan B®) 1.5 mg, intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex, may cause side effects, including dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, nausea or spotting. If you would like to learn more about Levonorgestrel tablet 1.5 mg, please see product information here. Use as directed.
Individual results may vary.