Birth Control Methods

Emergency Contraception

Plan B, Take Action, After Pill

External Condoms

Hormonal IUD

Implant

Internal Condoms

Non-Hormonal IUD

Patch

Ring

Shot/Injection

Sterilization – Female

Sterilization – Male

The Pill

About

Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. There are three types:

Over-the-counter pill: Available without a prescription, it’s most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex
Prescription-only pill (Ella): This pill can be taken within five days of unprotected sex, with effectiveness slightly higher on the fifth day compared to over-the-counter options.
IUDs (Paragard, LILETTA, Mirena): Certain Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex and are the most effective form of emergency contraception.

Effectiveness

99%

Over 99% effective

Mechanism of Action

Emergency contraception works to prevent pregnancy through a couple of key actions:

Delaying ovulation: Both pills work by preventing the release of an egg, ensuring there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize.
IUDs: They create an environment that’s inhospitable to sperm and prevent implantation of a potentially fertilized egg.

Benefits

Highly effective

No prescription

Emergency contraceptives provide a critical option for contraception in post-coital situations.

Start Method

Other

Since this is used after unprotected sex, there is no additional birth control method needed. It’s important to note this should not be your go-to method of contraception.

Potential Side Effects and Concerns

When using emergency contraception, there are some potential side effects and concerns to keep in mind:

IUDs: May cause bleeding changes and cramping.
Emergency contraceptive pills: Can lead to temporary upset stomach, vomiting, changes in menstrual period timing, and sore breasts.

Who Should Not Use This?

Emergency contraception should not be used by people with the following health conditions:

Known or suspected pregnancy: Should not use. Emergency contraceptives do not terminate an existing pregnancy.
Allergies to any components of the pill or IUDs: Should avoid use.
Severe liver disease for Ella: Should not use the prescription-only pill.
Severe uterine abnormalities: May affect the placement of an IUD.