Birth Control Options for Women - Emergency Contraception

Highlights	Injected Contraceptives	Emergency Contraception
Introduction	Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)	Female Sterilization
Oral Contraceptives and Combination Hormonal Methods	Spermicidal and Barrier Contraceptives	Resources
Implant Contraceptives	Fertility Awareness Methods	References

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is available to prevent pregnancy in situations such as:

After sexual assault
After consensual intercourse in which contraception is not used
When contraception is used but fails (for instance, when a condom breaks or a diaphragm dislodges)

Emergency contraception is administered as a pill or, less commonly, as an IUD. Emergency contraception should not be used as a substitute for regular routine contraception.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is also called the “morning-after” pill. The emergency contraceptive pill is not the same thing as the "abortion pill." These pills should not be taken by a woman who is pregnant.

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There are two types of “morning-after” pills:

One type uses the progestin levonorgestrel to prevent either fertilization or the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine lining.
The other type uses the antiprogestin drug ulipristal, which appears to inhibit or delay ovulation.

Levonorgestrel “Morning-After” Pill. Emergency contraceptive pills that use leveonorgestrel are available under the names Plan B One-Step, Plan B, or Next Choice: Depending on the brand, they are available as either one or two pills:

Single pill (Plan B One-Step). Approved in 2009, Plan B One-Step is a single tablet that contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel.
Two pills (Plan B, Next Choice). Plan B is taken as two doses that each contain 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel. Next Choice is the generic version of Plan B. Both pills can be taken at the same time, or as two separate doses 12 hours apart.
The levonorgestrel morning-after pill can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. The pill is most effective the sooner it is taken. It is most effective within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex.

All of the above pills are available over-the-counter (without a prescription) to women 17 years and older. Women younger than 17 years need a prescription from a doctor.

Side effects of Plan B/Next Choice may include: