Usually when I hear the phrase “Plan B,” it reminds me of a sitcom like “Laverne and Shirley,” where something doesn’t work out and the characters’ Plan B is obviously going to get them in more trouble. Hilarity and hijinks ensue, but in the end everything works out in half an hour. Reality doesn’t really work that way- the real Plan B, or emergency contraception, takes longer than 30 minutes and doesn’t include the drama and stale dialogue.

When I was a teenager, emergency contraception didn’t exist. There was no magical 48 hour period when you could prevent something you weren’t ready for.

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "Plan B can prevent pregnancy up to 120 hours after last having unprotected sex or if the birth control method was not used correctly."

Just like an Algebra test, either you passed or failed. Now, Plan B offers a second chance, but more importantly, control over your reproductive health. Though some people misuse Plan B as a replacement for birth control, the real purpose of Plan B is to be a second option after the first one goes awry. That first choice, being birth control, cannot be overlooked. Emergency contraception should only be used, well, in emergencies. Simple, right? Apparently not, since a lot of kids think popping a pill every time they have unprotected sex is okay.

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "VERY TRUE! Plan B should not replace condoms, birth control pills, or any other form of regular contraception. Plan B is only used for emergencies, or when accidents or mistakes happen (and as humans, we make mistakes on occasion.)"

Plan B is not going to prevent you from getting diseases. It also doesn’t educate people about safe sex. Just like with school, education and protection are tasks you have to do yourself: you can’t rely on a pill to do it for you.

If all that sounds kind of scary, then good. Having sex isn’t an activity you can put on your college application. It’s a responsibility that comes with having an emotional connection to someone and the maturity to protect yourself both emotionally and physically. But by following directions and regularly using birth control, you can save yourself a lot of drama. Even the most careful people can have accidents, though, which is why it is smart to stock up on Plan B ahead of time instead of waiting to get it if or when a mistake happens. Pharmacies and clinics try to make emergency contraception easily available, but there might be instances when they may be out for a short time.

If you’re having sex, it’s probably good to keep some around. And it’s not just a woman thing either. Ladies, please don’t feel uncomfortable talking about it with your guys, since they can pick up emergency contraception for you. Plan B is supposed to be a back-up option, and after all the talk about being prepared and ready, isn’t it a great idea to have a plan b for Plan B?