Plan B used late, can it still work?

Question

My husband and I had unprotected sex 2 days ago while I was in the middle of my cycle and think I had already ovulated (we are new to using the diaphram and forgot to put it in). I took plan b 24 hours later, but didn't take the second pill until 17 hours after the first. How effective is plan b if I missed the second pill by 5 hours? Also, if I already ovulated, and the egg was fertilized, can plan b still work? I thought it worked through preventing the release of the egg, but what if the egg was already released? How high is the risk of pregnancy if I already have a fertilized egg in my system, but used plan b within 24 hours of unprotected sex? I know it's supposed to shed the uterine lining so the ovum has nothing to attach to, but is this realiable?

I called my pharmacist and they said taking the second pill a few hours late doesn't signifigantly lower plan b's effectiveness. The main thing is that it's taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex so the ovum hasn't attached to the uterus yet. It can still work, even if there is a fertilized egg in your system, the hormones can keep the egg from implanting.

She also said plan b is more effective when both pills are taken together. I wish they'd told me that when I bought it!

Thanks for the tip about calling my pharmacist.

I'd still like people's opinions, even after talking to the pharmacist!

Answer 1

You can possibly ask the pharmacist these questions.

Plan B prevents implantation of the ovum. It would be a lot more reliable if you took it per the instructions.

Answer 2

Plan B® works like a regular birth control pill. It prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary, and may also prevent the fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg). Plan B® may also work by preventing it from attaching to the uterus (womb). It is important to know that Plan B® will not affect a fertilized egg already attached to the uterus; it will not affect an existing pregnancy.

When you take Plan B® as directed, you reduce your risk for pregnancy by up to 89%. And the sooner you take it, the more effective it is.


**I imagine that the effectiveness of Plan B will be lessened if you don't take the pills as directed. In other words, my guess is that since it's usually 89% effective when taken as directed, the percentage chance that it will be effective for you since you took the second pill late will be less than 89%.

Answer 3

Very small. The Plan B is a huge severe dosage of delivery administration. It definitely makes it so the egg won't be able to connect with the liner. SO no toddler. it rather is obtainable to nevertheless get pregnant yet i doubt it. If it became basically 3 hours you're able to be extra then ok. if she has indicators of being pregnant in some weeks then she will attempt yet i doubt she'll be pregnant.

Answer 4

well the pharmacist told you the answer already! AS LONG AS YOU TAKE IT WITHIN 72 HOURS YOU ARE FINE! BUT REMEMBER THAT PILLS ISN'T 100 % GUARANTEED SO YOU DO THE MATH!

Answer 5

I don't know much about Plan B (I'll leave that for someone else) but (if you believe in abortions) I believe my doctor told me there are medical abortions available if all else fails where you take pills as well, but you have to wait 4 weeks. It basically forces a miscarriage. Good Luck!

Answer 6

sounds like you might end up with a decision to make, only a doctor can help you answer the rest.

Answer 7

I think you should talk to your Doctor. I think you might be pregnant.