Don’t Panic: Here’s Exactly What To Do If Your Birth Control Fails

There’s certainly no shortage of birth control options available today. From the pill, to condoms, to IUDs, there’s more options for pregnancy prevention than ever before — and that’s powerful. Having regular birth control that works for you is important. Still, there is a chance that not everything will always go as planned.

In a given year, out of a sample size of 100, more than 13 people will experience a birth control mishap using methods like condoms. In a similar sample size, four to seven pregnancies will occur for individuals using birth control pills incorrectly. We know the idea of there still being a chance of getting pregnant even after taking proper precautions can be a little worrisome, and it can be outright stressful to realize it after your contraception has failed. That’s why we’ve partnered with Plan B One-Step emergency contraception to help women understand their options when it comes to a birth control mishap. Here’s exactly what to do if your birth control fails.

1. Take A Deep Breath

First of all, don’t panic! Backup plans exist for situations just like this. Dr. Tami M. Prince, OB/GYN, recommends calling your OB/GYN right away to discuss your options for emergency contraception.

“If a [birth control] failure has occurred, using an emergency contraceptive within the first 48-72 hours [of failure] is crucial,” says Prince. The sooner you use emergency contraception, the better it will work. If you’re unfamiliar, Plan B One-Step is an emergency contraception option you can turn to if your regular birth control fails, and is directed to be taken within the first 72 hours.

2. Educate Yourself Ahead of Time

Knowing your options can help mitigate fear and help you take informed action as quickly as possible. Plan B is one pill taken orally that works by temporarily delaying ovulation. It’s not an abortion pill, and it won’t harm an existing pregnancy. Similar to standard birth control pills, Plan B temporarily delays the release of an egg from an ovary, so there’s no egg to meet the sperm. That’s right: No egg, no fertilization, no pregnancy.

Plan B isn’t meant to be used as regular birth control, but it’s OK to take Plan B again after another incidence of unprotected sex or birth control failure. It won’t hurt your ability to get pregnant in the future or harm an existing pregnancy.

3. Know Your 72-Hour Window

As mentioned, it’s absolutely crucial to know that Plan B One-Step needs to be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. Of course, the sooner you can take it, the better it will work — but it’s got to be within that 72-hour window. If you’re still unsure, the Plan B website has an easy-to-follow countdown calculator which will help you determine how much time you have to take Plan B in consideration of when exactly you had unprotected sex.

4. Know Plan B Is Easily Accessible

Plan B is an accessible solution that doesn’t require an ID or prescription or have age requirements for purchase in any U.S. state. You can find Plan B One-Step in the family planning aisle of your favorite retail stores like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart.

5. Know What To Expect

Once you’ve taken emergency contraception, Prince warns that you may experience side effects like nausea or vomiting, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, or cramping. (Quick tip: If you do vomit within two hours after taking emergency contraception, you may need to take a second dose). These side effects are usually mild and subside within a short amount of time.

Some women taking emergency contraception may have changes in their period, such as spotting or bleeding before their regular period. If your period does not occur within one week of your expected date, Prince recommends contacting your doctor immediately and taking a pregnancy test. Although emergency contraceptives are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, they greatly reduce your chances if taken as directed.

6. Be Kind To Yourself

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed if your birth control fails, but it’s not something to feel ashamed about. Prince reminds us that contraception failure can happen to anyone, no matter how careful they may be.

“The key is to learn from the experience and be truthful with yourself about which type of birth control best fits your needs,” says Prince. “If you can’t remember to take a pill each day, the pills may not be the best option for you. There are many birth control options that are available to meet most needs. Discussions with your physician can help determine the right option for you.”