Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is an emergency contraceptive used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Many people wonder if alcohol affects how well Plan B works. The short answer is no, alcohol doesn’t make Plan B less effective. But there are some things to consider when drinking after taking it.
How Plan B Works
Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that helps prevent pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation. It works best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours. The sooner it’s taken, the better it works. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy, and it won’t be effective if ovulation has already occurred.
Can You Drink Alcohol After Taking Plan B?
Drinking alcohol after taking Plan B doesn’t reduce its effectiveness. The pill works the same way whether you drink or not. However, alcohol can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, which are similar to Plan B’s side effects. This means drinking might make you feel worse than usual.
What Happens If You Mix Alcohol and Plan B?
Some people feel completely fine after taking Plan B, while others experience mild to moderate side effects. Alcohol can make those side effects worse, leading to more dizziness, nausea, or an upset stomach. If alcohol makes you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, the pill may not be fully absorbed, and you might need another dose.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Alcohol Won’t Make Plan B Less Effective: The hormones in Plan B work the same way whether you drink or not.
- Drinking May Worsen Side Effects: If you feel dizzy or nauseous after taking Plan B, alcohol could make it worse.
- Vomiting Could Be a Problem: If you throw up soon after taking Plan B, your body might not absorb the pill, which means you may need to take another one.
How Alcohol Affects Your Judgment and Birth Control Decisions
While alcohol doesn’t change how Plan B works, it does affect decision-making. Drinking too much can lower inhibitions and lead to risky behavior, such as forgetting to use protection or not taking birth control pills correctly. This increases the chances of needing emergency contraception in the first place. If you often find yourself relying on Plan B, consider talking to a healthcare provider about long-term birth control options.
Common Myths About Alcohol and Plan B
Alcohol Cancels Out Plan B
This isn’t true. Plan B works the same regardless of alcohol consumption. The only risk is vomiting, which could make the pill less effective if it happens too soon after taking it.
You Should Avoid Drinking for 24 Hours After Taking Plan B
There’s no rule saying you can’t drink after taking Plan B. If you feel fine and don’t experience side effects, having a drink won’t change anything. Just be mindful of how you’re feeling.
Plan B Doesn’t Work If You’ve Been Drinking Before Taking It
Plan B works the same way no matter when you take it. Being drunk before taking Plan B doesn’t make a difference in how well it prevents pregnancy.
Drinking Too Much Will Make Plan B Ineffective
Drinking doesn’t interfere with Plan B’s ability to do its job. The only concern is if excessive drinking leads to vomiting before the pill is absorbed.
Plan B Shouldn’t Be Used If You’ve Been Drinking
It’s safe to take Plan B even if you’ve been drinking. The pill is designed to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, so waiting until you’re sober isn’t necessary.
Tips for Taking Plan B While Drinking
Take It as Soon as Possible
Plan B works best when taken quickly. If you’ve been drinking, set a reminder to take it as soon as you can.
Stay Hydrated
Both alcohol and Plan B can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water to avoid feeling worse.
Eat Something
Having food in your stomach can help prevent nausea, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
Monitor How You Feel
If you feel extremely dizzy, nauseous, or unwell, consider taking a break from drinking and resting until the side effects pass.
Know When to Take Another Dose
If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, you may need another dose. If you’re unsure, check with a healthcare professional.
Other Emergency Contraception Options
Plan B isn’t the only emergency contraception available. If you’re worried about effectiveness, consider these options:
Ella (Ulipristal Acetate)
Ella is another emergency contraceptive that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex. Unlike Plan B, it requires a prescription.
Copper IUD
The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can be inserted by a doctor within five days of unprotected sex and provides long-term birth control.
Other Levonorgestrel Pills
Some generic versions of Plan B are available over-the-counter and work the same way.
Final Thoughts: Plan B and Alcohol
Taking Plan B after drinking alcohol doesn’t change how well it works. However, alcohol can make side effects worse and increase the risk of vomiting, which could reduce absorption. If you take Plan B after drinking, stay hydrated, eat something, and monitor how you feel. If vomiting happens soon after taking the pill, consider taking another dose. Always use contraception responsibly, and if you find yourself needing emergency contraception often, it may be time to explore long-term birth control options.