Dear Dub: Plan B for Dummies; Contraceptive Options

Over here on planet Dub, we have been talking a lot about emergency contraceptives these days. Historically, we have provided the St. Lawrence community with free Plan B thanks to our alliance with the Canton Walgreens. However, if you haven’t heard, Walgreens is closing! This has caused us to switch our provider to Price Chopper, right next door, but has simultaneously made us reconsider what we know about emergency contraceptives. Or rather, it has made us realize how much we don’t know. The overturning of Roe vs. Wade has created a sense of fear and tension across the nation when it comes to reproductive health care and calls us to think about how this problem may be compounded by other aspects of one’s positionality. We want to know how emergency contraceptives work, what we are putting in our bodies, and how we can ensure that all folks have access to reproductive care for a long time. So, let’s get into it.

What is Plan B? What are emergency contraceptives?

Emergency contraceptives are medications that are used as a backup to birth control methods (ex. condoms, missed birth control pills, etc.). Plan B is one brand of nonprescription emergency contraceptives. Although we often refer to all emergency contraceptives as “Plan B,” these medications come in many brands, such as Take Action, My Way, Option 2, AfterPill, etc. There are also certain IUDs that you can get within 120 hours (five days) of having unprotected sex that may also serve as ECs. These are not only more effective, but can prevent pregnancies in the long term.

What kinds of pills are there?

Emergency contraceptive pills can be broken down into two main groups: those with ulipristal acetate and those with levonorgestrel. Emergency contraceptives with levonorgestrel must be taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, have an 87 percent efficacy rate, and do not require a prescription. Emergency contraceptives with ulipristal acetate must be taken within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex, have a 98 percent efficacy rate and require a prescription from a nurse or doctor, as well as an advanced order of the pill.

Who takes emergency contraceptives?

People of all genders, sexualities, abilities, and races take Plan B. Although emergency contraceptives are often marketed toward women, people of all identities have uteruses and may experience unexpected pregnancies. One way that companies can improve the accessibility and marketing of their products is to represent all identities that may need to take this medication. Looking forward, government subsidies/limitations on big pharma are more effective ways in which emergency contraceptives could be more affordable and accessible to all populations.

Does weight impact the efficacy of emergency contraceptives?

Emergency contraceptives that contain ulipristal acetate, like Ella, lose effectiveness for those who weigh over 165 pounds. Emergency contraceptives that contain levonorgestrel do not display a weight limit on their packages within the U.S., but Health Canada issued that they lose effectiveness for those over 165 pounds and have a lack of effectiveness for those over 175 pounds. So, in summary, YES, weight does impact the efficacy of emergency contraceptive pills.

Access to emergency contraceptives is more important now than ever…

Before the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, nine states had instituted restrictions on emergency contraceptives. Laws which restrict access to emergency contraception are based on the false idea that they are “abortion pills.” Now that Roe vs. Wade has been overturned, emergency contraception is at a greater risk of being restricted, thus, it is important to remind folks on our campus and beyond, the ways in which they can access emergency contraceptives.

How to get emergency contraceptives at SLU…

If you are looking to get emergency contraceptives while you are on campus at SLU, reach out to the Dub via talking to/emailing/texting/serenading/shouting at a Dubber, DMing our Instagram (@sludub), swinging by our house (3 University Avenue), or any other way you can grab our attention. We will then give you a gift card to go purchase your emergency contraceptive. To ensure the longevity of our house being able to provide Plan B to the St. Lawrence community, we are now asking that you send us a quick pic of your receipt after your purchase. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions, concerns or ideas about how we can improve this process!

How to ensure access to emergency contraceptives beyond SLU…

Encourage your gynecologist to advance order emergency contraceptives. Educate your peers, coworkers, and family about how emergency contraceptives work as a part of a comprehensive sex education program and health care systems. Support organizations such as the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception, who fight to make emergency contraceptives universally accessible!