If it's consolation, Plan B will work within 72 hours of unprotected sex, however the sooner you can get it in you the better it'll work. And just a forewarning, the Plan B can make you very, very nauseous because of the high dose of hormones. Don't let that dissuade you. Temporary discomfort is better (and cheaper) than an unwanted pregnancy.

But to answer your question, no I've never had to take Plan B. But as a pharmacist, I've counseled patients on how to take it and what to expect. less

Aw, thank you so much!!! I actually did make it a point to distract myself because I was afraid I would develop psychosomatic symptoms. It's been a couple of days now, and still no side effects except some mild abdominal cramps. I was absolutely astounded that this was so easy. I have bad reactions to virtually EVERYTHING except aspirin, and this was remarkably painless. I will probably take a pregnancy test in a few days just to be sure, but I feel very relieved. Maybe nothing would have happened if I had done nothing, but I feel infinitely better knowing that I made certain that nothing happened. I am very adamantly pro-choice, but I know in my heart that actually terminating a pregnancy would be a very painful for me. I believe I would choose to terminate it, but I also know that it would probably hurt me for a very long time, maybe forever.

Having to use EC has definitely made me reevaluate my current birth control methods; I don't ever want to end up here again! But, it also has made me think of how long women have suffered - and continue to suffer in places where there is a lack of access, even here in the United States - because they have not been able to control their fertility and plan their pregnancies. Birth control, condoms, trained abortion providers, these things have so completely improved the quality of women's lives. I can't express how grateful I am to have the options available to me to make choices about having a family.

All I can say is I'm very glad that the progestin ECPs are the more commonly available/administered option these days. Just from reading this thread, researching, and my own personal experience, Plan B and Next Choice seem to be safe and relatively painless options. Obviously some do have bad experiences, but at least the progestin pills have decreased the likelihood of these experiences. For anyone in the future that stumbles onto this thread, I really do recommend Plan B or Next Choice. The worst possible side effects seem to be cramps, nausea and, in a small proportion (only 6%) of women, vomiting. The only downside is the cost. If you have Planned Parenthood nearby - as well as the luxury of time to make an appointment or wait for walk-in hours - then definitely go there! less