Emergency Contraception - March 2024

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Learn more about Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception – Did You Know?

  • Emergency Contraception (EC) is used to PREVENT pregnancy AFTER unprotected sex.
  • There are two main types of EC: pills and certain IUDs.
  • The copper IUD is the most effective form of EC when placed within 5 days of unprotected sex.
  • IUDs will NOT cause an abortion.
  • EC pills are also known as “Morning After Pill” or “Plan B”.
  • EC pills are most effective when taken immediately after unprotected sex but can be used up to 3 to 5 days after. The sooner you take them, the more effective they are. Consider keeping EC pills at home, on hand, just-in-case.
  • Certain EC pills are available without a prescription. Be sure to read and follow all label directions carefully.
  • Being overweight decreases the effectiveness of EC pills. See packet inserts for specific weight recommendations.
  • The copper IUD is the most effective EC method, regardless of weight.
  • ECs do not protect against STIs. To lower your STI risk, always use condoms during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

When Should Emergency Contraception Be Used?

Consider EC if you’ve had sex within the past 3 to 5 days and you:

  • did not use birth control, or
  • had problems with your birth control (missed dose, used incorrectly, condom failure).

How Do EC Pills Prevent Pregnancy?

EC pills mainly work by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). You can’t get pregnant without an egg.

EC pills ARE NOT abortion pills. If you are pregnant, EC pills will not stop or harm the pregnancy.

IMPORTANT: If your period is more than a week late after taking EC pills, you should take a pregnancy test.

For More Information:

Bedsider.org a medically reviewed website providing up-to-date birth control info as well as info on other sexual wellness topics. https://www.bedsider.org/

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/emergency-contraception

U.S Department of Health and Human Services – Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/emergency-contraception