Condition Basics
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy if:
- You had sex without using birth control. There is a chance that you could get pregnant even if you haven't started having periods yet or you are getting close to menopause.
- Your birth control method failed. Maybe you forgot to take your pill or get your shot. Or maybe the condom broke or came off, or your diaphragm slipped.
- You used a birth control method that isn't very reliable, or you didn't use it the right way.
- You were sexually assaulted. Even if you were using birth control, emergency contraception can help decrease your chance of getting pregnant.
Using emergency contraception right away can prevent an unwanted pregnancy. And it can keep you from worrying while you wait for your next period to start.
What are the types?
There are two main types of emergency contraception: pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Pills work well, don't cost a lot, and are usually easy to get. The IUD works very well, but it has to be inserted by a doctor.
- Pills used for emergency contraception are sometimes called "morning-after pills." They can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
- The most common option contains a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. Progestin is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.
- Another option is a medicine called ulipristal (for example, Ella). It affects the progesterone in your body.
- Some birth control pills are also used. These often contain a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. If you already take birth control pills, you may be able to use the pills you have as emergency contraception. Talk to your doctor to find out the correct doses.
- An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into your uterus. It can be placed up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
- A copper IUD is a common option. Copper wire is wound around the stem of the T-shaped IUD. The copper IUD can stay in place for up to 12 years.footnote 1 Talk to your doctor about how long you can use it.
- A hormonal IUD can also be used. This type releases levonorgestrel, which is a form of the hormone progestin. The hormonal IUD used for emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. Talk to your doctor about how long you can use it.
How does it work?
Emergency contraception pills work by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
The hormones in these pills may prevent fertilization by stopping the ovary from releasing an egg (ovum). They also make the fallopian tubes less likely to move an egg toward the uterus. The pills are also thought to thin the lining of the uterus, or endometrium. The thickened endometrium is where a fertilized egg would normally implant and grow.
An IUD for emergency contraception may prevent fertilization or implantation.
Where can you get emergency contraception?
Where you get emergency contraception may depend on which type you use.
Emergency contraception
You can get emergency contraception without a prescription at most drugstores.
Some types of emergency contraception, such as ulipristal acetate (for example, Ella) are available only from family planning clinics or with a prescription from a doctor.
Birth control pills
If you already have birth control pills on hand, you may be able to use them for emergency birth control. To find out which brands of pills work and how to take them, go to www.plannedparenthood.org or https://ec.princeton.edu for emergency contraception information.
IUD
You can get an IUD from many doctors, from college and public health clinics, and in most hospital emergency rooms. An IUD has to be inserted by a doctor or other health professional.
What to do if you can't find emergency contraception
Some pharmacists won't sell emergency contraception or fill prescriptions for birth control pills. If this happens to you, ask for the location of a pharmacist who will, or go to or call the Planned Parenthood clinic nearest you.