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 |
ella |
Paragard |
| Time of Effectiveness | 75-89% within 3 days |
85% within 5 days |
99% within 5 days |
| Application | 1-2 pill(s) |
1 pill |
inserted into uterus |
| How to Get | online or |
Virtual or in-person visit. |
In-person visit. Talk to |
| Cost | $9–50 per dose* |
$40–50 per dose without |
free at a |
| Possible Side Effects | irregular bleeding (most |
irregular bleeding (most |
longer, heavier periods with |
| Other Considerations |
|
|
|
*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 |
|
*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 |
|
*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 |
|
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.
