Emergency contraception packets and a small Wisp glass pill jar balanced on colorful abstract shapes with a light blue and pink background

Plan B Pills: “Is it the Same
as the Abortion Pill?” and
Other Common Questions

By Lizzie De La Cruz
June 8, 2021

What happens when your birth control fails? A broken condom or a forgotten pill can cause incredible amounts of worry and stress. Fortunately, there is a backup solution called Plan B. Plan B pills are available without a prescription and can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Plan B pills allow you to take control of your reproductive health and be in charge of your own body, even if accidents happen.

Frequently asked questions

Most women have a few questions about Plan B pills. Here are the top 6 most common ones:

  • Is Plan B the same thing as the abortion pill?

No, Plan B pills are not the same thing as the abortion pill. Plan B pills prevent the egg from being fertilized so you do not become pregnant. Plan B pills do not terminate a pregnancy.

  • How do Plan B pills work?

Plan B pills contain levonorgestrel, which is found in many combination birth control pills. They prevent pregnancy by pausing the release of an egg and/or by preventing the egg from attaching to the womb. It is important to note that Plan B pills do not prevent the transmission of STIs.

  • Why would I need to use Plan B pills?

There may be times when a condom breaks or when you forget to take your daily birth control pill. Maybe you got caught up in the moment and birth control was missed. Accidents and mistakes happen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about preventing pregnancy. Plan B pills are not a replacement for your normal birth control methods, but they can help if something goes awry.

  • How much time do I have to take Plan B pills after contraceptive failure?

Plan B pills must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex in order for them to work. It is best to have a Plan B pill on hand for those ‘just-in-case’ mornings after. There is another pill called Ella that is effective at preventing pregnancy if taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

  • Can Plan B pills be used as regular birth control?

Plan B pills are not a replacement for regular birth control. They are not as reliable as other forms of birth control so should only be used in the cases of accidental unprotected sex. Plan B pills are effective for 7 out of 8 people, as long as they are used correctly.

  • Are Plan B Pills safe?

Plan B pills are safe. They are very similar to daily birth control pills. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, and breast tenderness.

Where to Get Plan B Pills

Plan B pills are available without a prescription, which is great news. Consider having one on hand for those unpredictable, just-in-case times. Wisp offers a great price on emergency contraception like Plan B pills and Ella, as well as regular birth control pills. If you require a prescription for regular birth control or treatment of other’s women’s health issues, Wisp’s online doctors are incredibly convenient and affordable. All of Wisp’s medications and treatments arrive in non-descript packaging in order to keep your healthcare private.

Luckily, we don’t live in the times of crossing your fingers and hoping you don’t get pregnant. You are in control of your own reproductive health now more than ever. Birth control pills and Plan B pills are easily available online from Wisp.

Get Birth Control Medication Online


Plan B emergency contraception in foil packet to prevent pregnancy on a red surface, on a pink background

Levonorgestrel (Generic PLAN B®)

Take Levonorgestrel as soon as possible but within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Delivery only - order ahead of time!

Starting at $12.50

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Ella emergency contraception in foil packet to prevent pregnancy on a red surface, on a pink background

Ella® Emergency Contraception

Take Ella as soon as possible, but within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Ella is pick-up only - order after contraceptive failure!

$44.00

Get Started

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