What is Plan B? Plan B is an emergency contraception that prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation. It is a single tablet that you take by mouth and it must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It contains a higher dose of the ingredient levonorgestrel, which is found in regular birth control pills.
What is Plan B not? Plan B is not an abortion pill and it will not affect an existing pregnancy. This is a huge misconception, but it just prevents ovulation. Even though it is not an abortifacient, 7 out of every 8 women who take Plan B will not become pregnant if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Plan B also will not protect against HIV-AIDS or any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, you can easily get some free STI testing and prescriptions for antibiotics at the Health center.
Plan B, available at no cost at the Student Health Center, is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control. If you are interested in regular birth control, free condoms are always offered in the Health Center. The Health Center also carries birth control pills for $10 for a one-month pack, which is much lower than you might be able to get on your own.
To schedule an appointment to receive Plan B or to just learn more about Plan B and birth control, email health@owu.edu or call 740-368-3160.
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Student Health Center
Contact: Lexi Lease at health@owu.edu