What Is Plan B?

Plan B is a brand name associated with emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is used after unprotected intercourse to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

It works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation.

Plan B is intended for emergency use and is not a replacement for regular birth control.

Is Plan B the Same as the Morning-After Pill?

Yes.

Plan B is one type of morning-after pill.

However, not every morning-after pill is Plan B.

Emergency contraception may include:

• Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills
• Ulipristal acetate emergency contraception
• Copper IUD placement in selected patients

The best option depends on timing, medical history, medications, body weight, and other individual factors.

How Does Plan B Work?

Plan B primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation.

If ovulation is delayed until sperm are no longer able to fertilize an egg, pregnancy may be prevented.

Plan B does not terminate an established pregnancy.

It is therefore different from medication abortion.

When Should I Take Plan B?

Plan B should generally be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is typically used within a limited time window after intercourse, and effectiveness generally decreases as more time passes.

Do not delay seeking care if you are unsure which emergency contraceptive is most appropriate.

Your doctor can review the timing and discuss alternatives if needed.

Is Plan B Effective After 24 Hours?

Yes.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception can still be used after 24 hours.

However, earlier use is generally preferable.

Is Plan B Effective After 48 Hours?

It may still be effective after 48 hours.

Because effectiveness decreases with time, prompt use is recommended.

If more time has passed, another emergency contraception option may be more appropriate.

Is Plan B Effective After 72 Hours?

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is generally intended for use as soon as possible and is commonly recommended within approximately 72 hours after intercourse.

If more than 72 hours have passed, other emergency contraception options may still be available.

These may include:

• Ulipristal acetate
• Copper IUD in appropriate patients

A medical consultation can help determine the best option.

Can I Take Plan B After 5 Days?

Plan B is not generally the preferred oral option when several days have already passed.

Certain other emergency contraception methods may be used for up to approximately 120 hours, or 5 days, after intercourse.

Seek medical advice promptly rather than assuming no options remain.

Plan B vs. Ulipristal Acetate

These are different emergency contraceptive medications.

Plan B / Levonorgestrel

• Progestin-based
• Works mainly by delaying ovulation
• Usually most useful when taken early

Ulipristal Acetate

• Uses a different mechanism involving progesterone receptors
• May remain effective later in the emergency contraception window
• Requires specific instructions about restarting hormonal birth control afterward

Your doctor can help determine which option is more appropriate.

Plan B vs. Copper IUD

A copper IUD is another emergency contraception option for selected patients.

Plan B

• Taken orally
• Does not require a pelvic procedure
• Provides emergency pregnancy prevention for the recent episode

Copper IUD

• Placed inside the uterus
• Provides highly effective emergency contraception
• Also provides ongoing long-term contraception afterward

The best choice depends on your timing, medical history, and contraception preferences.

When Should I Consider Plan B?

You may want emergency contraception after:

• Unprotected vaginal intercourse
• Condom breakage
• Condom slippage
• Missed birth control pills
• Incorrect use of a contraceptive patch
• Incorrect use of a vaginal ring
• Delayed contraceptive injection
• Withdrawal failure
• Other contraceptive problems

The details of the situation affect pregnancy risk.

Plan B After a Condom Break

Plan B may be considered if a condom:

• Broke
• Tore
• Slipped off
• Was used incorrectly
• Was put on after intercourse had already begun

Pregnancy risk depends on:

• Whether ejaculation occurred
• Menstrual-cycle timing
• Whether another contraceptive method was being used
• Time since intercourse

Plan B After Missed Birth Control Pills

Whether Plan B is needed depends on:

• Type of birth control pill
• Number of pills missed
• Timing of missed pills
• Where you are in the pill pack
• Whether unprotected intercourse occurred

Bring the name or packaging of your birth control if possible.

Plan B After Missed Contraceptive Injection

A significantly delayed contraceptive injection may reduce pregnancy protection.

Your doctor can review:

• How late the injection is
• Whether emergency contraception is needed
• When the next injection should be given
• Whether backup contraception is required

What Happens During Your Consultation?

Your appointment may include:

• Confidential discussion of recent intercourse
• Date and approximate time of intercourse
• First day of your last menstrual period
• Typical cycle length
• Review of contraception used
• Medication review
• Pregnancy risk assessment
• Pregnancy testing when appropriate
• Discussion of levonorgestrel and alternatives
• STI counseling when indicated
• Ongoing contraception planning

The goal is to choose the most appropriate emergency contraception based on your individual circumstances.

Do I Need a Pregnancy Test Before Taking Plan B?

Not always.

A pregnancy test taken immediately after recent unprotected intercourse will usually be too early to detect a pregnancy from that encounter.

Testing may be useful if:

• Your period was already late
• You had earlier unprotected intercourse
• You have pregnancy symptoms
• There is another reason to suspect an established pregnancy

Your doctor can determine whether testing is necessary.

Does Plan B Work During Ovulation?

Plan B primarily works by delaying ovulation.

If ovulation has already occurred, levonorgestrel emergency contraception may be less effective.

Because exact ovulation timing can be difficult to predict using calendar dates alone, medical advice can be useful when timing is uncertain.

Does Body Weight Affect Plan B?

Body weight and BMI may influence the effectiveness of levonorgestrel emergency contraception in some patients.

The degree of effect is not the same for everyone.

If body weight is a concern, your doctor can discuss whether another emergency contraceptive option may be more suitable.

Medications That Can Affect Plan B

Certain medications can reduce levonorgestrel levels and potentially make emergency contraception less effective.

These may include selected:

• Anti-seizure medications
• Tuberculosis medications
• HIV medications
• Other enzyme-inducing medications
• Herbal products such as St. John's wort

Tell your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products.

Does Plan B Cause an Abortion?

No.

Plan B does not terminate an established pregnancy.

It is designed to prevent pregnancy before it begins, mainly by delaying ovulation.

Medication abortion is a separate medical treatment.

Does Plan B Harm an Existing Pregnancy?

Plan B is not intended for use as treatment once pregnancy has already been established.

If you already have a positive pregnancy test or suspect an existing pregnancy, speak with a healthcare professional about appropriate evaluation.

What Are the Side Effects of Plan B?

Possible temporary side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal discomfort
• Spotting
• Menstrual changes

Most side effects are temporary.

What If I Vomit After Taking Plan B?

Vomiting soon after taking the medication may interfere with absorption.

If you vomit shortly after taking Plan B, contact a healthcare provider or pharmacist promptly.

Another dose may be recommended depending on how soon vomiting occurred.

Will Plan B Make My Period Late?

It can.

Your next period may come:

• Earlier
• Later
• Heavier
• Lighter

Temporary cycle changes are common after emergency contraception.

If your period is significantly delayed, pregnancy testing is appropriate.

Can Plan B Make My Period Come Early?

Yes.

Some patients experience earlier bleeding or spotting after taking levonorgestrel emergency contraception.

This does not necessarily mean anything is wrong.

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Pregnancy testing may be recommended if:

• Your next period is significantly late
• You develop pregnancy symptoms
• You have unusual bleeding
• You remain concerned about pregnancy
• You have no expected period within several weeks

Follow-up testing is more useful than testing immediately after recent intercourse.

Can I Take Plan B More Than Once?

Emergency contraception may be used again after another episode of unprotected intercourse.

However, Plan B is not intended to replace regular contraception.

If you need emergency contraception repeatedly, you may want to discuss:

• Birth control pills
• Hormonal IUD
• Copper IUD
• Nexplanon
• Contraceptive injection
• Patch
• Vaginal ring
• Condoms

Can I Take Plan B Twice in One Cycle?

It may be possible to use levonorgestrel emergency contraception more than once in a menstrual cycle if separate episodes of unprotected intercourse occur.

However, repeated use can lead to more irregular bleeding and is less convenient than an ongoing contraceptive method.

A contraception consultation may be helpful.

Does Plan B Affect Fertility?

Plan B does not permanently reduce fertility.

It acts temporarily around the current reproductive cycle.

Future fertility returns normally afterward.

Can Plan B Cause Infertility?

No evidence shows that appropriately used levonorgestrel emergency contraception causes infertility.

Future fertility problems should be evaluated for other causes.

Does Plan B Protect Against STDs?

No.

Plan B reduces pregnancy risk but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Depending on your situation, you may consider:

• Chlamydia testing
• Gonorrhea testing
• HIV testing
• Syphilis testing
• Other STI screening

Condoms can help reduce STI risk.

Can I Have Sex After Taking Plan B?

Yes, but Plan B does not reliably protect against pregnancy from subsequent unprotected intercourse later in the same menstrual cycle.

Use condoms or another appropriate contraceptive method.

Does Plan B Protect Me for the Rest of My Cycle?

No.

Plan B is intended to address the pregnancy risk from a specific episode of unprotected intercourse.

It does not provide ongoing contraception for additional sex later in the cycle.

Can I Start Regular Birth Control After Plan B?

In many situations, hormonal birth control can be started or resumed after levonorgestrel emergency contraception.

Temporary backup contraception may still be needed.

Your doctor can give specific instructions based on your birth control method and timing.

Plan B After Sexual Assault

Emergency contraception can be part of medical care after sexual assault.

Other important considerations may include:

• STI testing or preventive treatment
• HIV post-exposure prophylaxis when indicated
• Injury assessment
• Forensic examination options
• Psychological support

Depending on the circumstances, an emergency medical facility may be more appropriate than a routine clinic appointment.

When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Attention?

Seek prompt medical care for:

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Fainting
• Severe dizziness
• Very heavy bleeding
• Positive pregnancy test with pelvic pain
• Significant one-sided pelvic pain

These symptoms require evaluation for conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or another gynecological emergency.

Can Foreigners Get Plan B in Seoul?

International patients can seek emergency contraception in Seoul after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.

At Y Queen Women's Clinic, English-speaking medical support can help patients discuss:

• When intercourse occurred
• Their menstrual cycle
• Current birth control
• Medication use
• Pregnancy concerns
• Follow-up testing

Because brand names and medication availability differ between countries, a product sold as Plan B elsewhere may not be the exact product prescribed in Korea.

The clinically important issue is the emergency contraceptive ingredient and appropriate timing.

Plan B Availability in Korea

"Plan B" is primarily a well-known brand name in countries such as the United States.

In Korea, emergency contraception may be prescribed under different product or brand names depending on current medication availability.

Patients asking for "Plan B" should tell the physician that they are seeking levonorgestrel emergency contraception or emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse.

Current prescribing rules, product availability, and exact medication choice should be confirmed during consultation.

How Should I Prepare for an Appointment?

If possible, know:

• Date and approximate time of intercourse
• First day of your last menstrual period
• Typical cycle length
• Current contraception
• What went wrong with contraception
• Current medications and supplements
• Whether you had earlier unprotected intercourse
• Whether your period was already late

Do not delay seeking care because some information is unavailable.

Plan B Cost in Seoul

At Y Queen Women's Clinic:

• Consultation fees depend on the evaluation required.
• Medication costs vary according to the emergency contraceptive prescribed.
• Additional costs may apply for pregnancy testing, STI testing, pelvic ultrasound, or other examinations when clinically indicated.
• Medication brands, availability, and pricing can change.

Current options and exact costs can be discussed during consultation.

Why Choose Y Queen Women's Clinic?

International patients choose Y Queen because of its:

• English-speaking medical support
• Confidential emergency contraception consultations
• Pregnancy risk assessment
• Morning-after pill consultation
• Emergency contraception after condom failure
• Missed birth control evaluation
• Pregnancy testing when appropriate
• STD testing when indicated
• Ongoing contraception counseling
• IUD and Nexplanon counseling
• Personalized women's healthcare
• Comfortable, private consultation environment
• Convenient Gangnam location
• Foreigner-friendly appointment process
• Follow-up gynecological care

Our approach focuses on timely, confidential care and selecting emergency contraception according to timing, medical suitability, and individual pregnancy risk.

Convenient Location in Gangnam

Y Queen Women's Clinic is located in Gangnam, Seoul, with convenient access near Apgujeong Rodeo Station.

The clinic is convenient for international patients living, working, studying, or staying in Gangnam, Cheongdam, Apgujeong, Sinsa, Itaewon, Myeongdong, and other central Seoul neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plan B?

Plan B is a common brand name for levonorgestrel emergency contraception used after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

Can foreigners get Plan B in Seoul?

International patients can seek emergency contraception at Y Queen Women's Clinic in Seoul. The exact product may have a different brand name in Korea.

Is Plan B available under the same name in Korea?

Not necessarily. Brand names vary by country. Patients can ask for levonorgestrel emergency contraception or explain that they need emergency contraception after unprotected sex.

Is Plan B the morning-after pill?

Yes. Plan B is one type of morning-after pill containing levonorgestrel.

How soon should I take Plan B?

As soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception works best when taken early.

Can I take Plan B after 24 hours?

Yes. It may still reduce pregnancy risk after 24 hours.

Can I take Plan B after 48 hours?

Yes, but prompt treatment is preferable because effectiveness can decrease over time.

Can I take Plan B after 72 hours?

Other emergency contraceptive options may be more appropriate once more time has passed. Seek medical advice promptly.

Can I take Plan B after 5 days?

Levonorgestrel is generally not the preferred option this late. Other emergency contraception methods may still be available within approximately 5 days.

Is Plan B an abortion pill?

No. Plan B prevents or delays pregnancy from beginning and does not terminate an established pregnancy.

Does Plan B work after ovulation?

It may be less effective after ovulation because its main mechanism is delaying ovulation.

Does weight affect Plan B?

Body weight or BMI may affect levonorgestrel emergency contraception effectiveness in some patients. Another option may be considered depending on individual circumstances.

Can Plan B make my period late?

Yes. Your next period may be earlier or later than expected.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

Take a pregnancy test if your period is significantly delayed, you develop pregnancy symptoms, or you remain concerned about pregnancy after emergency contraception.

Can I take Plan B twice?

It may be used again after another episode of unprotected intercourse, but an ongoing contraceptive method is more reliable for regular pregnancy prevention.

Does Plan B cause infertility?

No. Plan B does not permanently affect future fertility.

Does Plan B protect against STDs?

No. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Does Plan B protect against sex later in the same cycle?

No. You can still become pregnant from subsequent unprotected intercourse.

Does Y Queen Women's Clinic provide Plan B?

Y Queen Women's Clinic can provide confidential emergency contraception consultation after unprotected intercourse, condom failure, missed birth control, or other contraceptive problems.

The exact levonorgestrel product or alternative emergency contraceptive prescribed depends on timing, medical suitability, medication availability, and current Korean prescribing practices.