No, That's Not a Plan B Pill Inside Your Pregnancy Test
Wondering what that pill inside a pregnancy test is? It's not a morning after pill, but there is an explanation.
Social media has shown people taking apart over-the-counter pregnancy tests and claiming to find a "pill" inside. The videos have left people wondering what the pill inside a pregnancy test could be.
Some have even wondered if the pill inside the pregnancy test could be a Plan B One-Step, the morning-after pill.
As eyebrow-raising as it might sound, various pockets of the internet and social media have been buzzing with the thought that some pregnancy test kits include the morning-after pill.
One example: The site WeHaveKids.com lists a step-by-step tutorial on how to take apart a Clearblue pregnancy test plastic applicator to reveal a small, circular tablet. In the Q&A section of the blog, a user asked, "There's a rumor that the tablet in the test is a Plan B. What is the little pill thing inside a pregnancy test, really?"
We're here to clear up the rumor for once and all: There is a tablet that can be found inside the plastic part of a pregnancy test if you take it apart. But the tablet is not a morning-after pill and is not meant to be eaten. Here's what's really going on.
Related: The Best Pregnancy Tests We Tried at Home for Fast, Accurate Results
What is the Pill Inside a Pregnancy Test? An Explanation
Our investigation found that the majority of the buzz about the pregnancy test "pill" appeared to be based on TikTok. In addition to clips created by kids wondering if the tablet is actually emergency contraception, there are clips by teens trying to set the record straight. Many appear under the hashtags #clearbluechallenge, #clearblue, and #planb.
To clear up the confusion, Parents reached out to Clearblue and a spokesperson for the company explained via email that they did become aware of the rumors "through user-generated videos on social media platforms."
Clearblue went on to describe that the pill inside some pregnancy tests is a tablet placed there to absorb moisture and is not any type of pill meant to be consumed. They stated:
Pill Inside a Pregnancy Test? This is What It Is
"Clearblue pregnancy tests do NOT contain Plan B pills. All our tests have a small desiccant tablet which is included to absorb moisture and should not be eaten. If accidentally ingested we ask people to please seek medical advice and for any further questions contact our careline at 1-800-321-3279."
Clearblue's website echoes this, stating that "all our tests contain a small desiccant tablet which is included to absorb moisture and should not be eaten."
Desiccant tablets are used in many medical products, such as pregnancy tests or vitamin bottles, to absorb moisture and humidity and help preserve shelf life.
Related: Can You Get a False Negative Pregnancy Test?
Where to Find Emergency Contraceptive
In short, there is no form of emergency contraception pill included in pregnancy tests. But people in need of emergency contraceptives can purchase them over the counter.
Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraceptive costs around $50, while generic versions of the morning-after pill run anywhere from $13-$45. Both are available over the counter at most drugstores and pharmacies or can be purchased online. Anyone can buy emergency contraceptives regardless of age or gender.
Cynthia Cork, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Fountain Valley, California, explains that the lack of an age restriction—which was taken off of Plan B in 2013—makes it easier for sexually active teens to acquire should they need it.
"Plan B is the only emergency contraceptive that's available over-the-counter, without going through a doctor or pharmacist," Dr. Cork explains. An emergency contraceptive pill works best when it's taken within 72 hours, or three days, of unprotected sex, but you can take it for up to five days following.
The social media videos about the "pills" inside pregnancy tests may indicate that teens are attempting to share information about accessing emergency contraceptives, so they could be a reminder to parents and caregivers to discuss sex education, including how to reduce the risk of pregnancy and where to access reproductive care.
Related: Here's Why Sex Ed Should Begin as Early as Possible
Teaching comprehensive sex education and discussing safe sex are two preliminary steps parents and schools can take to reduce the chances that tweens and teens will need to shop for a pregnancy test—or Plan B—in the first place.
That said, if they need access to pregnancy tests and emergency contraceptives, tweens and teens should know that these reproductive care items are sold separately.
Key Takeaway
The "pill" inside a pregnancy test is a moisture-absorbing tablet that manufacturers use to extend the shelf life of some health products. It is not an emergency contraceptive and is not a pill meant to be eaten.
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