Birth Control: Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is birth control that keeps you from getting pregnant after sex where a condom was not used at all, not used correctly, or does not work.

It comes in 2 forms:

• Intrauterine device (IUD)
  • The copper IUD (Paragard^®) is the only IUD for EC. It works by keeping sperm from fertilizing the egg. It is the most effective form of EC.
• Pills that work by keeping the ovary from releasing an egg (ovulation). There are 2 EC pills:
  • Ulipristal acetate (Ella^®) - This is the most effective EC pill.
  • Levonorgestrel (Plan B^®)

Benefits

• EC can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days after sex. However, it works best in the first 24 hours.
• The pills are available in one dose.
• Plan B is available over-the-counter (OTC) at pharmacies without a prescription.
• Your insurance may cover the cost of EC, making it low-cost or free.
• The IUD provides ongoing birth control up to 10 years.

Disadvantages

• The IUD is put into place by a trained health care provider in an office.
• Ella should not be used at the same time as hormonal birth control.
• You need a prescription to get Ella.
• EC pills are not recommended as long-term birth control.

How to Use It

• Start EC as soon as you can after sex where a condom was not used at all, not used correctly, or does not work. 
• EC users should consider starting a regular form of birth control. You can start regular birth control the same day you use the levonorgestrel pill.
• Delaying using hormonal birth control until 5 days after using Ella.
• Take a pregnancy test if you have not had a period within 3 weeks of using EC.

Side Effects

• Possible side effects of the pill: nausea, headache, and irregular bleeding
• Possible side effects of an IUD: irregular bleeding and cramping

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor or health care provider if you:

• Think you're pregnant.
• Think you might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go straight to the emergency room right away if you have:

• Irregular bleeding that will not go away.
• Lower belly pain that will not go away.

Preventing STIs

EC does not protect against STIs. To reduce the risk of infections, use condoms each time you have sex, the whole time you're having sex. Get a health check-up each year, including testing for STIs.

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