Info

“Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent up to over 95% of pregnancies when taken within 5 days after intercourse.” - World Health Organization

What Is Emergency Contraception?

“Emergency contraception refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. These are recommended for use within 5 days, but are more effective the sooner they are used after the act of intercourse.” - World Health Organization

Emergency contraception (EC) can delay ovulation (stopping or delaying the release of an egg), prevent fertilization, or stop a fertilized egg from implanting, depending on the type of EC you choose.

This differs from normal forms of contraception you may be familiar with (birth control pills, condoms, diaphragm, the birth control shot, vaginal ring, etc.) that are designed to prevent pregnancy before or during sexual intercourse.

Emergency contraception is not an abortion. Emergency contraception remains 100% legal in the United States and in Texas.

Types of Emergency Contraception

Copper IUD

Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. - CDC

IUDs have a more than 99% effective rate of preventing pregnancy, making them the most reliable form of emergency contraception. - WHO

But an IUD insertion is a minimally invasive procedure, similar to a pap smear (Pacific Women’s Center). “It is estimated that there may be less than 2 cases of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) per 1000 users (3). (FP Global Handbook). The risks of expulsion or perforation are low.” - WHO

IUDs are typically more expensive, but continue to function as a regular form of birth control after they are installed.

EC Pills

“Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner the pills are taken, the better they will work. There are three different types of pills that can be used for emergency contraception.” - CDC

Emergency contraception pills are usually lower in cost, with some options available as low as $20. ELLA is often more expensive, around $50, but is often covered by insurance.

  • Most commonly sold under the brand name “ELLA”, but also includes many generic brands.

    Administered in a single dose (30 mg)

    Must be used in the first 5 days after unprotected sex

    Requires a prescription from a doctor

    Recommended to wait at least 5 days before resuming regular hormonal birth control after taking ulipristal.

    - CDC

  • Most commonly sold under the brand name “Plan B”, but also includes many generic brands.

    Administered in a single dose (1.5 mg) or as a split dose (1 dose of 0.75 mg of LNG followed by a second dose of 0.75 mg of LNG 12 hours later).

    Most effective when used within 3 days of unprotected sex, and becomes only moderately effective until 5 days after unprotected sex.

    Does not require a prescription. This is usually sold over-the-counter at most pharmacies.

    Other popular brand names include: Take Action, My Way, Option 2, Preventeza, AfterPill, My Choice, Aftera, EContra

    - American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists

BC Pills

Commonly used birth control can also be used as emergency contraception in some situations.

If the pills are combined pills, or birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, then a higher dosage may function as emergency contraception.

“You need to take combined EC pills as soon as possible up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.”

“They are taken in two doses. The number of pills needed for EC differs for each brand of pill. An ob-gyn, other health care professional, or pharmacist can tell you how many pills you should take for the type that you have.”

- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

WHAT IS BIRTH CONTROL?

Birth control (contraception) is any method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy.

  • EC can be used in the following situations: unprotected intercourse, concerns about possible contraceptive failure, incorrect use of contraceptives, and sexual assault if without contraception coverage.” - World Health Organization

  • Sperm can live inside your body for up to 6 days after sex, waiting for an egg to show up. If you ovulate during that time, the sperm can meet up with your egg and cause pregnancy. Morning-after pills work by temporarily stopping your ovary from releasing an egg.” - Planned Parenthood

  • Pills with ulipristal acetate

    • Brand name: Ella

    • Cost: $40 - $70 depending on insurance

    • Need a prescription

    Pills with levonorgestrel

    • Brand name: Plan B One-Step, Take Action, My Way, Option 2, Preventeza, AfterPill, My Choice, Aftera, EContra, and others

    • Cost: $11 - $50 depending on insurance and brand

    • Over the counter

  • "Ella lowers your chances of getting pregnant by 85% if you take it within 5 days after unprotected sex — but the sooner you take it, the better. ella is the most effective type of morning-after pill you can get.” - Planned Parenthood

    "Plan B and other morning-after pills can lower your chance of getting pregnant by 75–89% if you take it within 3 days after unprotected sex.” - Planned Parenthood