Dear Not_an_accident,

Emergency contraception (EC) is now available over-the-counter at drugstores to women over 18 without a prescription. Teens under 18 can still get EC the old-fashioned way — with a prescription. Most Planned Parenthood health centers and many other local providers, women's health clinics, and hospital emergency rooms provide the prescription and the EC at the same time.

EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse. If started within 72 hours of unprotected sex, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent. The sooner it’s started, the better.

The best way young women can protect themselves is to get a prescription for EC before an accident happens, and keep it on hand in case they need it. That way, they won't waste time after unprotected intercourse waiting to get an appointment with a health care provider and trying to get a prescription filled.