Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe, effective, and time-sensitive way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (like a broken condom or missed birth control pill). Having EC on hand (just in case) is a smart, proactive choice.
Understanding your options helps you talk confidently with your healthcare provider and make the best decision for your body. Factors like timing, weight/BMI, and accessibility can all affect how well EC works.
Emergency Contraceptive Comparison Guide
Method
Examples
When to Use
Effectiveness
Rx Required?
Good to Know
Progestin-Only EC Pill
Plan B®, Take Action®, My Way®
Best within 72 hours
Reduces pregnancy risk by ~81–90%
No – Over-the-Counter
May be less effective if BMI >25. Safe for all ages, no ID or gender requirements.
Ulipristal Acetate (UPA)
Ella®
Up to 5 days (120 hrs)
~65% reduction in risk; ~2% failure rate
Yes – Prescription
More effective than Plan B for those with higher BMI (up to 35). Delay starting hormonal birth control for 5 days after taking Ella.
Copper IUD
ParaGard®
Up to 5 days
Over 99% effective
Yes – Provider visit
Most effective EC option. Also works as long-term birth control (10+ years).
LNG IUD (off-label EC use)
Mirena®, Liletta®
Up to 5 days
~0.3% failure rate (emerging data)
Yes – Provider visit
Not FDA-approved for EC (yet), but recent studies show strong results. Doubles as long-term birth control (up to 8 years).
Quick Reminders
Act fast: All EC methods work better the sooner they are used.
BMI matters:
Plan B may be less effective if BMI >25
Ella may be less effective if BMI >35, but still a better choice than Plan B in this range.
Ella + Hormonal BC: Wait 5 days before starting or restarting your regular birth control after taking Ella.
Anyone can buy Plan B-type EC: No prescription, age, ID, or gender requirement.
EC is not abortion: EC does not end a pregnancy. It works by delaying ovulation, not by harming an embryo.
Take with food and water: If you vomit within 3 hours of taking EC, take another dose.
❌ Myth: “Only people assigned female at birth can buy EC.”
✅ Fact:Anyone, regardless of gender, can walk into a pharmacy and buy progestin-only EC—no questions asked.
❌ Myth: “Emergency contraception causes birth defects if it doesn’t work.”
✅ Fact: EC has no known effects on an existing pregnancy or developing embryo.
❌ Myth: “You can’t take EC if you're already on birth control.”
✅ Fact: You can, but timing matters—especially with Ella. Wait 5 days before restarting hormonal methods.
❌ Myth: “EC doesn’t work for people with a higher BMI.”
✅ Fact: While some EC pills may be less effective, Ella and IUDs still work well for people with higher BMIs.
❌ Myth: “You’ll bleed right away after taking EC.”
✅ Fact: Not necessarily. Some people experience spotting, but many don’t notice anything until their next period.
❌ Myth: “Using EC is the same as having an abortion.”
✅ Fact: EC prevents pregnancy before it begins. It doesn’t end an existing pregnancy.
❌ Myth: “You can’t take EC more than once in a cycle.”
✅ Fact: You can, but it’s better to find a long-term method if you're needing EC often.
❌ Myth: “All IUDs can be used for emergency contraception.”
✅ Fact: Only copper IUDs and some hormonal IUDs have shown EC-level effectiveness.
❌ Myth: “Emergency contraception is dangerous or causes infertility.”
✅ Fact: EC is very safe and has no long-term effects on your ability to get pregnant later.
❌ Myth: “Pharmacists will judge you for buying EC.”
✅ Fact: Trained pharmacists are healthcare professionals, not judges. And in many places, you can even grab it right off the shelf.
FAQ's
1. Can I buy emergency contraception without a prescription?
Answer: Yes! Plan B and generics are available over-the-counter to anyone—no age, ID, or gender check.
2. How soon should I take EC after unprotected sex?
Answer: As soon as possible. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
3. What’s the difference between Plan B and Ella? Answer: Plan B is progestin-only and best within 72 hours. Ella is prescription-only and works up to 5 days.
4. Can I use EC more than once?
Answer: Yes, and it does not impact fertility. It’s not meant for regular use because traditional birth control is more reliable. If you find yourself needing EC frequently, talk to a provider about a more consistent method.
5. Does emergency contraception cause abortion? Answer: Nope. It prevents pregnancy from starting. It does not affect an existing pregnancy or harm an embryo.
6. Will EC mess up my period? Answer: Possibly. It can make your next period come earlier, later, or heavier than usual. That’s normal.
7. Can I take EC while on birth control?
Answer: Yes, but if you take Ella, you need to wait 5 days before restarting your hormonal birth control.
8. What if I vomit after taking EC? Answer: If you throw up within 3 hours, you should take another dose as soon as you can.
9. Is the copper IUD really used for emergency contraception? Answer: Yes! It’s the most effective option—and it gives you up to 10 years of protection if you decide to keep it in.
