What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency Contraception (EC), sometimes called the “morning-after pill,” is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g., a condom breaking or forgetting to take birth control pills).
EC is a back-up method and is not meant to be used as regular, long-term birth control. It works primarily by delaying or preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It is important to know that EC is NOT the abortion pill. It will not harm an existing pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception?
- You might consider using EC if:
- You had sex without using any birth control.
- A condom broke or slipped off.
- You missed two or more of your regular birth control pills.
- Your diaphragm or cervical cap slipped out of place.
- You were late getting your contraceptive shot or changing your patch/ring.
Types of Emergency Contraception
There are three main types of EC available in the United States.
| Type | Brand Names (Examples) | When to Use | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel Pill | As soon as possible, up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. | Continue screening based on your health. We will discuss whether to continue mammograms based on your overall health and life expectancy. | Available over-the-counter at pharmacies without a prescription for people of any age. |
| Ulipristal Acetate Pill | ella® | As soon as possible, up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. | Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. |
| Copper IUD | Paragard® | Must be inserted by a provider within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. | Requires an appointment at our clinic for insertion by a healthcare provider. |
- Brand Names (Examples) – Plan B One-Step, Take Action, My Way, Aftera
- When to Use – As soon as possible, up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.
- How to Get It – Available over-the-counter at pharmacies without a prescription for people of any age.
- Brand Names (Examples) – ella®
- When to Use – As soon as possible, up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
- How to Get It – Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
- Brand Names (Examples) – Paragard®
- When to Use – Must be inserted by a provider within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
- How to Get It – Requires an appointment at our clinic for insertion by a healthcare provider.
- The Copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can also be left in place to provide highly effective, long-term birth control for up to 10 years.
What to Expect After Taking EC Pills
Your next menstrual period may come earlier or later than expected. The flow might also be lighter or heavier than usual.
- You may experience some mild, temporary side effects, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular bleeding or spotting before your next period
- IMPORTANT: If you vomit within 2 hours of taking an EC pill, please call us. You may need to take another dose.
After Using Emergency Contraception
Your next menstrual period may come earlier or later than expected. The flow might also be lighter or heavier than usual.
Take a home pregnancy test if your period is more than one week late.
Remember that EC does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV. If you are concerned about STIs, please schedule an appointment for testing.
If you do not have a regular birth control method, let’s talk! We can help you find a method that fits your life and health needs. You can start most birth control methods immediately after taking EC.
When to Call Our Clinic
Please contact us if you:
- You need a Plan B pill.
- Have severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Have not gotten your period within 3-4 weeks of taking EC.
- Think you might be pregnant.
- Have questions about which EC method is right for you.