Plan B (levonorgestrel), also known as the morning-after pill, is a form of emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. You can take Plan B as often as needed, but it’s not intended to replace regular contraception.
While it’s safe for repeated use, frequent reliance on Plan B may signal the need for a more consistent and cost-effective birth control method.
Is It Safe To Take Plan B Multiple Times?
Yes — it is safe to take Plan B more than once. There’s no medical limit on how many times you can use it, and it does not affect your future fertility. However, because Plan B delivers a high dose of hormones, using it repeatedly can temporarily affect your menstrual cycle.
You may notice:
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A period that comes earlier or later than usual
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Spotting between periods
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Mild symptoms such as fatigue or nausea
If you find yourself needing emergency contraception often, it may be time to consider a long-term birth control method such as pills, patches, IUDs, or implants.
When Should You Take The Morning-After Pill?
Timing is key. Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours (3 days). Another type, ella (ulipristal acetate), can work for up to 120 hours (5 days).
If you have unprotected sex again within a few days after taking Plan B, it’s safe to take another dose. However, if this happens frequently, talk to your OB-GYN about routine contraception that suits your lifestyle.
When To Consider Taking Plan B
You should take a morning-after pill if you’ve had unprotected sex and want to prevent pregnancy. Common scenarios include:
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A condom breaks or slips off
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A diaphragm or cervical cap becomes misplaced
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You miss birth control pills or forget to replace a patch or ring
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You had unprotected sex without any birth control
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You’ve experienced sexual assault
Morning-after pills are available over the counter at most pharmacies—no prescription required.
Short-Term Side Effects
Most side effects of Plan B are mild and temporary. They include:
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Abdominal cramps
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Nausea or vomiting
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Dizziness
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Breast tenderness
These usually resolve within a few days. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking Plan B, consult a healthcare provider—you may need to take another dose.
Are There Downsides To Frequent Use?
While Plan B is safe, using it often has a few drawbacks:
1. Cost
Each dose can cost $40–$50. Over time, that adds up. Long-term options like birth control pills, IUDs, or implants are more cost-effective and reliable. Some may even be covered by insurance or family planning programs.
2. No STI Protection
Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always pair it with condoms to reduce your risk of both pregnancy and infection.
3. Lower Effectiveness Compared To Regular Birth Control
Emergency contraception is less effective than routine options. Regular methods—like pills, patches, vaginal rings, or IUDs—provide stronger, ongoing pregnancy prevention.
Long-Term Birth Control Alternatives
If you frequently rely on emergency contraception, discuss long-term options with your healthcare provider. These include:
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Hormonal IUDs (effective for 3–8 years)
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Copper IUDs (hormone-free, effective up to 10 years)
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Birth control pills or patches
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Contraceptive shots or implants
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Condoms (also protect against STIs)
These methods are more consistent and can help you avoid the stress of repeated emergency use.
A Quick Review
You can safely take Plan B multiple times, but it’s best used as backup protection, not a primary method.
Frequent use can cause temporary menstrual changes, and the cost may add up. For long-term contraception and better peace of mind, talk to your healthcare provider about options that fit your needs.
