Emergency Contraception | Patient FAQs

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is any type of contraception you take after unprotected intercourse, with the goal of preventing pregnancy. The most common forms are pills, however, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are non-hormonal, can also be used as emergency contraception (CDC, Emergency Contraception). Common pill brands include Plan B or My Way, and Ella. The pills work by blocking ovulation, so the egg isn’t released in the first place.

Is emergency contraception the same as an abortion?

No; this is a common misconception. These methods work by interfering with ovulation – delaying or preventing the release of an egg. The goal is to keep the sperm and the egg from ever meeting. If fertilization has already happened, or if a fertilized egg has already implanted in the uterus, the pills won’t do anything to stop that.

Are the pills the only option?

Nope. Copper IUDs can also be placed as emergency contraception.

How soon do I need to take it?

For any type of emergency contraception, the sooner, the better. Here’s the general timing:

• Plan B, My Way, or the generic version (levonorgestrel): best within three days.
• Ella (ulipristal acetate): good for up to five days, but it does require a prescription.
• Copper IUD: also good for up to five days after unprotected intercourse.

How well does emergency contraception work?

When taken as instructed, Plan B can be 89% effective, and Ella can be 95% effective at preventing unintended pregnancy. Copper IUDs placed within 5 days of unprotected sex can be 99% effective.

Does my weight affect how well it works?

It can. There’s some evidence that levonorgestrel pills (Plan B, My Way) may be less effective if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or weigh more than about 165 pounds. For Ella, effectiveness decreases if you weigh 195 pounds or more. (GoodRx)

IUD efficacy is not impacted by body weight.

Do you need a prescription for emergency contraception?

While Plan B, My Way and generic levonorgestrel pills are available over the counter with no prescription, Ella and generic ulipristal pills do require a prescription. An IUD must be placed by a healthcare professional.

If Ella requires a prescription, how do I get ahead of that?

Next time you see your gynecologist or GYN provider, ask for a prescription to keep on hand. That way, if the need ever comes up, you’ll have access to either Plan B or Ella without scrambling.

Will emergency contraception affect my period?

Yes. Every form except the copper IUD can change the timing of your next period. If you take emergency contraception and your period hasn’t shown up within one to two weeks of when you’d normally expect it, take a pregnancy test and make an appointment with your OB-GYN.

Will emergency contraception affect my regular birth control pills (or ring or patch)?

If you are currently taking hormonal birth control, you should consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the impacts on your existing medication of your emergency contraception.

In the meantime, you should use back-up birth control (such as condoms) or abstain from sexual intercourse.

Is there a limit to how often I can use emergency birth control?

Ella has not been tested to establish it is safe to use it multiple times in a single cycle and could reduce the effectiveness of regular contraceptives. Therefore, it shouldn’t be taken more than once per menstrual cycle. Plan B can be used more frequently.

It is important to note that emergency contraception is far less effective at preventing pregnancy, can be more expensive, is less convenient, and can cause more intense temporary side effects. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Also, no emergency contraception will protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you are sexually active, talk to your provider about the most effective birth control and disease-prevention methods for you.