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Emergency Contraception

Condition Basics

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy if:

  • You had sex without using birth control, Opens dialog. There is a chance that you could get pregnant even if you haven't started having periods yet or you are getting close to menopause, Opens dialog.
  • Your birth control method failed. Maybe you forgot to take your pill or get your shot. Or maybe the condom broke or came off, or your diaphragm slipped.
  • You used a birth control method that isn't very reliable, or you didn't use it the right way.
  • You were sexually assaulted. Even if you were using birth control, emergency contraception can help decrease your chance of getting pregnant.

Using emergency contraception right away can prevent an unwanted pregnancy. And it can keep you from worrying while you wait for your next period to start.

What are the types?

There are two main types of emergency contraception: pills and the copper intrauterine device, Opens dialog (IUD). Pills work well, don't cost a lot, and are usually easy to get. The copper IUD works very well, but it has to be inserted by a doctor.

  • Pills used for emergency contraception are sometimes called "morning-after pills." They can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex.footnote 1
    • The most common option contains a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. Progestin is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, Opens dialog.
    • Another option is a medicine called ulipristal (for example, Ella). It affects the progesterone in your body.
    • Some birth control pills are also used. These often contain a combination of the hormones estrogen, Opens dialog and progestin, Opens dialog. If you already take birth control pills, you may be able to use the pills you have as emergency contraception. Talk to your doctor to find out the correct doses.
  • A copper IUD is a small, plastic device that is inserted into your uterus. Copper wire is wound around the stem of the T-shaped IUD. It can be placed up to 7 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.footnote 1 The copper IUD can stay in place for 10 years. In some cases it can be used longer.footnote 2 Talk to your doctor about how long you can use it.

How does it work?

Emergency contraception pills work by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.

The hormones in these pills may prevent fertilization by stopping the ovary from releasing an egg (ovum). They also make the fallopian tubes less likely to move an egg toward the uterus. The pills are also thought to thin the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, Opens dialog. The thickened endometrium is where a fertilized egg would normally implant and grow.

A copper IUD for emergency contraception may prevent fertilization or implantation.

Where can you get emergency contraception?

Where you get emergency contraception may depend on which type you use.

Emergency contraception

You can get emergency contraception without a prescription at most drugstores.

Some types of emergency contraception, such as ulipristal acetate (for example, ella) are available only from family planning clinics or with a prescription from a doctor.

Birth control pills

If you already have birth control pills on hand, you may be able to use them for emergency birth control. Talk to your doctor to find out the correct doses.

IUD

You can get an IUD from many doctors, from university and public health clinics, and in most hospital emergency rooms. An IUD has to be inserted by a doctor or other health professional.

What to do if you can't find emergency contraception

Some pharmacists won't sell emergency contraception or fill prescriptions for birth control pills. If this happens to you, ask for the location of a pharmacist who will. You can also call Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights at 1-888-642-2725 or visit the website at https://ww.actioncanadashr.org/resources/services to find services near you.

Information about Emergency Contraception

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffOpens in new window

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