Is Plan B Bad For You?
Also Known As: morning-after pill, levonorgestrel, emergency contraception drug
Short answer
Plan B is safe for most. Only in rare cases – in which a person may be allergic, hypersensitive, or have overdosed - is the pill harmful. Plan B should also be used only in emergency situations, as it is not a form of birth control.
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The Plan B pill is an effective way of reducing the risk of pregnancy after having unprotected sex. When used properly as intended, there is almost no danger - side effects are uncommon and usually not serious. The pill is intended as a last resort in pregnancy prevention and not as a form of birth control. It should be used only in cases where there is suspicion of pregnancy after having had sex. In order for the pill to be effective, it must be taken within 72 hours of having sex. If taken within 24 hours, then the effectiveness rate is 95% as compared to 89%. The second dose must be taken within 12 hours of the first dose.
How does it work? Plan B contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, which is a female hormone used to prevent ovulation. Additionally, the pill alters the uterine lining so that sperm cannot enter to fertilize the egg. It is also important to note that if you are already pregnant you should not take Plan B, as it is not meant to terminate pregnancy.
Side effects may include some discomfort, including abdominal pain, headache, and fatigue. If you experience dizziness, nausea, vaginal bleeding, and/or start vomiting, you should call your doctor immediately. Used properly and as an emergency drug instead of a go-to contraceptive device, the plan B pill is safe, easy to use, and most of the time effective.
Possible short-term side effects
- abdominal pain
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headache
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fatigue
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vomiting
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dizziness
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nausea
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vaginal bleeding
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breast tenderness
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
Healthier alternatives
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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