Emergency Contraception (EC)
Emergency Contraception (EC), also known as the "morning after pill," is a safe and effective method of birth control that you can get at any one of PPNC's three health centers. A counselor will talk with you about exactly what will happen and how to take it, and will also discuss methods of birth control and may suggest STI or HIV testing.
You can even purchase an extra dose of EC to keep for future emergencies.
EC is now available over-the-counter! This means that, if you are over the age of 17, you can get EC without a prescription.
Download a fact sheet for consumers on EC over-the-counter.
Download a fact sheet for pharmacists on EC over-the-counter.
How Does It Work?
You can take EC up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, but the earlier it is taken, the more effective it is. In fact, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75%. EC does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.
EC does not cause an abortion. It works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg or by changing the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus and developing into a pregnancy. Using EC may cause nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fluid retention, headaches and bleeding.
When Should I Use EC?
EC is for emergencies such as:
- The condom broke or slipped off
- You forgot to take your birth control pills
- The diaphragm or cervical cap slipped
- He didn't pull out in time
- You weren't using any birth control
- You were forced to have unprotected sex
Click here for more information on emergency contraception.
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