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Some Plan B alternatives are more effective and available quickly, but others are less convenient. Here are the best options and how to get them.
Plan B may be one of the most talked about forms of emergency contraception (EC). But it’s not the only type available.
Read on for more information on Plan B alternatives, including:
- how effective they are
- how much they cost
- where you can get them
It’s a good idea to plan ahead and keep emergency contraception like Plan B or alternatives on hand. This ensures you have quick access in case your regular contraception fails and you don’t have time to wait for a delivery.
As there are quite a few emergency contraception methods, it can be hard to know which one’s right for you.
There are three main things to think about. First, figure out how long ago you had unprotected sex.
For example, while “morning after” pills work better the quicker you take them, most can work for up to 5 days afterward. This includes all the ones we listed except for the AfterPill, which states you need to take it within 72 hours.
Then consider the kind of access you need. Some types are available over the counter, while others require a prescription or even a medical appointment.
- Prescription: ella, combined birth control
- Over the counter: Take Action
- Online: AfterPill
- Medical appointment: Paragard
Some forms are also more expensive than others.
For instance, ella, Take Action, AfterPill, and combined birth control pills (a month’s supply) are typically less than $50, while Paragard can be up to $1,300 out of pocket.
Finally, you’ll need to think about your body. Weight can affect how well some types of emergency contraception work. For instance, ella is more effective than other morning-after pills for people over 165 lbs. However, it’s less effective for those who weigh 195 lbs or more.
In addition, ella can pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. It’s recommended to avoid breastfeeding for at least 24 hours after taking ella.
Emergency contraception, other than Paragard, is not designed to be used as regular birth control.
For starters, it’s not as effective and costs a lot more. So it’s a good idea to think about longer-lasting forms of protection, like the pill, patch, or shot. Alternatively, condoms are a hormone-free option.
Plus, thanks to the internet, it’s never been more convenient to get a birth control prescription.
Nurx offers regular shipments that insurance usually covers, but you can check out our reviews for other online birth control services. For specific information about coverage and costs, contact your insurance provider.
It’s most effective if used within a certain amount of time after sex — up to 5 days for some methods.
That’s because sperm can live in the body for a few days, waiting for an egg to be released. Emergency contraception stops or delays the process of ovulation.
But as so many factors can affect it, such as where you are in your menstrual cycle, it’s not 100% effective.
As it’s branded, Plan B is the most expensive levonorgestrel EC pill.
But there are plenty of other levonorgestrel options — the cheapest is usually AfterPill, which can be bought online for $20 plus $5 shipping.
If you have Medicaid or other health insurance, you may be able to get various types of EC for free.
You can buy Plan B and any generic levonorgestrel pill over the counter at drugstores and pharmacies. They’re usually in the family planning aisle. But some stores may have them behind the counter.
Plus, they’re also available online.
Paragard and ella, however, will require a doctor’s appointment or prescription.
You don’t need a prescription for Plan B or any of its levonorgestrel alternatives.
The only EC pill that does require a prescription is ella.
There used to be, but not anymore.
Any person can buy Plan B or its alternatives without showing ID.
If you need an alternative to Plan B for emergency contraception, consider the following options:
- Ella (ulipristal acetate): A prescription-only emergency contraceptive pill effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
- Paragard (copper IUD): Can be inserted by a healthcare professional within 5 days after unprotected sex. It has the highest efficacy among emergency contraception methods.
- Take Action or other levonorgestrel pills: Over-the-counter options similar to Plan B.
- Combined oral contraceptives: Certain birth control pills can be used as emergency contraception in higher doses (consult a healthcare professional for guidance).
Ella is often considered more effective than Plan B, especially if taken between 72 and 120 hours after unprotected sex. It’s also preferred for individuals over 165 lbs, although it may be less effective for those over 195 lbs.
For those seeking a nonhormonal option or long-term contraception, the copper IUD (Paragard) is highly effective, with a failure rate of about 0.1%.
Plan B is not the only EC that exists. There are other pills and even a long-lasting IUD to consider.
So weigh up your options and decide what’s best for you based on cost, accessibility, and effectiveness.