Emergency Contraception

What is EC? Emergency Contraception (EC, also known as ella®, Next Choice™ or Plan B®) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Emergency contraception (EC) is available when you’ve had unprotected sex or experienced a contraceptive failure (condom broke, forgot to take the pill) and want to prevent pregnancy.

EC does not harm an established pregnancy, nor will it cause an abortion. EC works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries or preventing its implantation in the uterus.

WHEN WOULD I USE EC?

• You didn’t use birth control and don’t want to get pregnant.
• The condom broke.
• You forgot to use birth control.
• You were raped or forced into having sex.
• There’s a possibility your method of birth control didn’t work.

EC is most effective if taken in the first 24 hours, and up to 89% effective if taken in the first 72 hours after unprotected sex. EC may still work up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you take EC, the more effective it will be. You can get EC in advance to keep in case of an emergency.

Plan B One-Step, Next Choice, Levonorgestrel Tablets are made of the progestin. Ella blocks the body’s own progestin. Both types of EC work by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs, which is ovulation. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm.

EC pills should only be used in emergencies as a back-up method, and should not take the place of regular, reliable birth control.

Side effects that may occur include dizziness, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, belly pain or period cramps or bleeding between periods. Taking EC with food can help reduce some symptoms.

EC can affect your next period. It could be early or late, lighter or heavier, or shorter or longer. It may also be the same as usual.

Taking EC does not affect your ability to become pregnant in the future.

After taking EC: Continue using your usual birth control method. You should get your period within four weeks after finishing EC. If you don’t, return to your healthcare provider for a pregnancy test and a review of your options.

EC does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you’ve had unprotected sex, consider scheduling an appointment for an STD test.

EC is now available without age restrictions at any Planned Parenthood location, or at a pharmacy without a prescription.

For prescription EC, make an appointment with any of our health care providers, or with a provider within your network.