Is Plan B Effective 3 Days After Unprotected Sex?

Published: May 31, 2018
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My girlfriend and me had sex without a condom. She took Plan B 3 days after will it work is she pregnant?
Signed: Is Plan B Effective 3 Days After Unprotected Sex?

Dear Is Plan B Effective 3 Days After Unprotected Sex?,

To begin, you stated that you and your girlfriend are sexually active. TeenHealthFX recommends that all sexually active teenagers use condoms every time they have sexual intercourse. Condoms are the only form of birth control that may protect from sexually transmitted infections, and should be used in addition to another form of birth control for best protection.     

Next, you stated that your girlfriend took emergency contraception (Plan B) three days after unprotected sexual intercourse. You did not identify which emergency contraception method you utilized. According to Planned Parenthood,  women can take Plan B and other levonorgestrel morning-after pills up to 5 days after unprotected sex. However, the longer the wait, the less effective the pill is. 

TeenHealthFX suggests that women who do not get their period within 3 weeks of taking emergency contraception conduct a pregnancy test. Your girlfriend can purchase this test from your local drug store, or visit her doctor in order to have a blood test done by a medical professional.  

If you and your girlfriend plan to remain sexually active, you may want to consider birth control options. Your doctor(s) can help identify the method best fit for you and your girlfriend’s health needs. 

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.   

FX recommends the following resources for additional information:

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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