does plan b work when you are ovulating

does plan b work when you are ovulating

7 hours ago 9
Nature

Plan B (levonorgestrel) primarily works by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, which prevents the release of an egg and thus reduces the chance of fertilization. However, if you are ovulating or have already ovulated, Plan B is much less effective or may not work at all. This is because once the egg is released during ovulation, Plan B cannot stop fertilization from occurring. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy or prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. In summary:

  • Before ovulation: Plan B is highly effective as it can delay ovulation.
  • During ovulation: Plan B has minimal to no effect because the egg is already available for fertilization.
  • After ovulation: Plan B is ineffective at preventing pregnancy.

If you are unsure whether ovulation has occurred, it is still advised to take Plan B as soon as possible after unprotected sex to maximize effectiveness. If it is certain or likely that you are ovulating or have ovulated, other emergency contraception methods like a copper IUD may be recommended, as they do not rely on delaying ovulation and can be effective up to five days after intercourse. Therefore, Plan B does not reliably work during ovulation.

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