ver en español

Emergency Contraception

Broken condom? Caught in the moment? Missed pill? Whatever the reason, realizing that you’ve had unprotected sex and could be at risk of getting pregnant is never a fun moment. Don’t feel alone — plenty of people have been in this situation before.

Emergency contraception (EC) can help keep you from getting pregnant and may be a good option if you have had sex without using birth control or are concerned your birth control method did not work. There are three types of EC. Learn more about them below. Emergency contraception is intended for use in the case of emergency — it is not meant to be a regular method of birth control. Emergency contraception does not cause an abortion and cannot end a pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will not hurt or stop the pregnancy. Learn more about the birth control methods available to you for free or low-cost.

Emergency Contraception Options

  EC Pill over-the-counter EC Pillprescription Copper T-IUDnon-hormonal
Brand Name(s)

Plan B One-Step, Next
Choice One Dose, Next
Choice, EContra One-Step,
My Way, After Pill
Generic (Levonorgestrel 1.5mg)

ella

Paragard

Time of Effectiveness

75-89% within 3 days
after unprotected sex

85% within 5 days
after unprotected sex

99% within 5 days
after unprotected sex

Application

1-2 pill(s)

1 pill

inserted into uterus
by your healthcare provider

How to Get

online or
over-the-counter

Virtual or in-person visit.
Talk to your healthcare
provider to learn more.

In-person visit. Talk to
your healthcare
provider to learn more.

Cost

$9–50 per dose*

$40–50 per dose without
insurance*

free at a
No Drama clinic

Possible Side Effects

irregular bleeding (most
common), nausea,
vomiting, headaches,
dizziness, stomach pain,
tiredness, tender breasts

irregular bleeding (most
common), nausea,
vomiting, cramps,
headaches, dizziness

longer, heavier periods with
more cramps that should
subside over time, returning
to your regular period

Other Considerations
  • Less effective if you
    weigh more than 155 lbs
  • Safe for breastfeeding
  • Less effective if you
    weigh more than 195 lbs
  • If vomiting occurs within
    3 hours of taking it, you
    will need another dose
  • Obtaining prescriptions
    may be difficult. Contact
    our patient advocate for
    assistance.
  • Also effective as a
    birth control method
  • Lasts up to 12 years
  • Safe for breastfeeding

*Financial assistance is available through No Drama. Contact our No Drama patient advocate to learn more.

Emergency Contraception Options

EC Pill over-the-counter

+
Brand name(S) Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, Next Choice, EContra One-Step, My Way, After Pill, Generic (Levonorgestrel 1.5mg)
time of EFFECTIVENESS 75-89% within 3 days after unprotected sex
Application 1-2 pill(s)
How to Get online or over-the-counter
Cost $9–50 per dose*
Possible Side Effects irregular bleeding (most common), nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, tiredness, tender breasts
Other Considerations
  • Less effective if you weigh more than 155 lbs
  • Safe for breastfeeding

*Financial assistance is available through No Drama. Contact our No Drama patient advocate to learn more.

EC Pill prescription

+
Brand name(S) ella
time of EFFECTIVENESS 85% within 5 days after unprotected sex
Application 1 pill
How to Get Virtual or in-person visit. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.
Cost $40–50 per dose*
Possible Side Effects irregular bleeding (most common), nausea, vomiting, cramps, headaches, dizziness
Other Considerations
  • Less effective if you weigh more than 195 lbs
  • If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking it, you will need another dose
  • Obtaining prescriptions may be difficult. Contact our patient advocate for assistance.

*Financial assistance is available through No Drama. Contact our No Drama patient advocate to learn more.

Copper T-IUD non-hormonal

+
Brand name(S) Paragard
time of EFFECTIVENESS 99% within 5 days after unprotected sex
Application inserted into uterus by your healthcare provider
How to Get In-person visit. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.
Cost free at a No Drama clinic
Possible Side Effects longer, heavier periods with more cramps that should subside over time, returning to your regular period
Other Considerations
  • Also effective as a birth control method
  • Lasts up to 12 years
  • Safe for breastfeeding

The Yuzpe Method

Certain birth control pills can be used as EC following the Yuzpe Method guidelines. This method is 56–86% effective when used up to 3 days following unprotected sex. Click here to learn more about the Yuzpe Method, see dosing regimens, and find if the pills you take are able to be used as EC.

More Questions?

Contact our Choose Well support team any time to get answers.

Message Us Email Us