Emergency Contraception is a safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
There are 2 ways to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex:
- Call your provider’s office to set up for an IUD within 120 hours (five days) after having unprotected sex. This is the MOST effective type of emergency contraception.
- Take an emergency contraception pill (aka the morning-after pill) within 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex
This will only work if you take it before you ovulate, so take it as soon as possible to be on the safe side
There are 2 forms of morning after-pills:
Ulipristal acetate, also known as ella
It is the most effective type of morning-after pill. You need a prescription for this and may set up with your provider for this, there are typically triage spots same-day for these types of visits. If unable to quickly get into the office for this you can also use PRJKT RUBY and Nurx.
It is important to know you can take this up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, but the sooner you take it the more effective it will be.
If you weigh 195 pounds or more Ella may not work.
Levonorgestrel also known as Plan B One Step, Take Action, My Way, Option 2, Preventeza, AfterPill, My Choice, Aftera, EContra
You can buy this over the counter from most drugstores, pharmacies, or superstores.
These types of morning-after pills work best when you use them within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, but up to 5 days after they can be taken. The sooner you take them the more effective they are.
If you weigh more than 165 pounds these may not work.
How do I know I can use emergency contraception?
If you did not take your birth control method as planned or are worried you may accidentally become pregnancy from unprotected sexual intercourse you can take emergency contraception.
If you were forced, pressured, or coerced into having unprotected sex you may take emergency contraception to prevent a pregnancy
These methods are very safe and do not cause long-term side effects.
Will this prevent me from getting pregnant in the future or affect fertility?
No, it is for immediate unprotected sexual intercourse in the last 120 hours. It does not affect future fertility (ability to get pregnant).
Can I use this as my birth control method?
It is not recommended to use this as your sole or primary method, there are more effective long-term methods that can be used. If you have questions please call your provider to set up an appointment to discuss your options.
Can I use two forms to make sure I am covered?
If you use 2 different morning after pills at the same time or within 5 days they can counteract each other and not work. Discuss with your provider if you are concerned you need more than one type of emergency contraception.
What are the side effects of the morning-after pill?
Bleeding between your periods, nausea are common side effects
How does emergency contraception work?
Pregnancy does not occur right after sex. Pregnancy occurs once a sperm meets an egg in the fallopian tube and fertilizes the egg, and this then implants into the uterus. Sperm can live inside the body for up to 6 days after vagina-in-penis sex. The pills work by stopping ovulation, the ovaries from releasing an egg. If you have already started ovulating these pills will not work for you, so depending on timing of sex and your menstrual cycle they may not be effective.
How do IUDs work as emergency contraception?
While emergency contraceptive (EC) pills are the most widely known option, the most effective form of EC is actually getting an IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sex.
Three IUDs are known to work for this purpose: Paragard, LILETTA, and Mirena. In addition to preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex, these IUDs also provide long-term, highly effective birth control.
IUDs work as emergency contraception by preventing fertilization and, in some cases, by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Paragard, which is copper-based, releases copper that is toxic to sperm, while hormonal IUDs like LILETTA and Mirena thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining, making it much harder for sperm to reach an egg or for implantation to occur.
When do I need to check a pregnancy test?
If you do not get your period within 3 weeks from the emergency contraception used, you should take a pregnancy test.
Your period can be later than normal when using these medications and can have breakthrough bleeding or spotting between now and your next period, or change the flow/heaviness of your period.
