Among the many truth bombs dropped by Aidy Bryant’s new series Shrill on Hulu (seriously guys, go watch it), the show addressed the lack of common knowledge around emergency contraception and preventive birth control.
Here’s the low-down on how emergency contraception works: Taking a dose usually means a single pill purchased over the counter that contains Progestin or a combination of hormones that delay ovulation. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be for up to 72 hours depending on the brand.
Here’s the issue – – the countdown on the clock isn’t the only thing working against you. If you weigh over the 165-175 range, emergency contraception may not be as effective.
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Birth control pills are generally standard dosage, meaning that despite whatever weight you are, you still get the same amount. Other medications (and possibly emergency contraception) need dosage adjusted based on size due to the body’s absorption and the dilution of its strength. Researchers have debated the actual rate of failure based on a woman’s weight, but it’s something to have on your radar given that the average size of the American woman is a 14/16 and the potential consequences that come from contraception failure.
As someone who took Plan B more than once while in college and has consistently weighed 200 pounds since freshman year, I wish someone would have had ‘the talk’ with me about this sooner. Safe, consensual and informed sex is fun sex!
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P.S. You can get Plan B from the vending machine in SUB I thanks to Patriots for Choice!
Via Angelique Arintok, Fourth Estate