Emergency Contraceptives

Emergency contraception(EC) prevents pregnancy before it starts.

EC cannot cause abortion and is not the same thing as abortion medication.

Consider keeping doses of oral EC on hand and use it (or share it) as needed. EC is safe to use and does not affect later fertility. For testosterone users: EC doesn't interfere with the effects of testosterone, and testosterone does not interfere with the effects of EC.

There are 4 EC options (2 Pill and 2 IUD options):

• Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (a.k.a "Plan B" or the "Morning After Pill") can be taken up to 3 days or 72 hours after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it the better it is at preventing pregnancy. Levonorgestrel tablets are available over-the-counter, without a prescription, for folks of all ages--and can be shared like ibuprofen!

•  Ulipristal acetate 30mg (a.k.a "Ella") can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Ella may be a more effective oral option than plan B if you weigh over 165 lbs.

  • How to get it: Ella requires a prescription--a healthcare provider can call in a prescription or online telehealth services (e.g. Wisp or Nurx) can send Ella. A great option to keep on hand!

  • Note: If you plan to start the birth control pill, patch, ring, or injection wait 5 days between taking Ella and starting your new method.

• Hormonal IUD and Copper IUD: If you want to use an IUD, these are also the most effective EC option, if inserted within 5 days of sex. IUDs can be used long as you want, up to 12 years for the copper and up to 8 years for the hormonal IUD.

  • How to get it: IUDs require an appointment and insertion procedure with a provider. MyFPE.org or Planned Parenthood can help you access a low or no-cost IUD for EC if you are interested.

• If you're in a pinch certain estrogen/progestin oral contraceptives can be used in higher doses than normal within 72 hours of unprotected sex (a.k.a YUZPE regimen).

The number of individuals who will become pregnant using EC:

• Plan B: 15-26 out of 1,000. For people who weigh over 165 pounds, the risk is ~70/1,000.

• Ella: 12-18 out of 1,000 individuals. Still slightly less effective for people with higher weight but still significantly reduce your risk of pregnancy!

• Hormonal IUD: 3 out of 1,000 individuals

• Copper IUD: 1 out of 1,000 individuals.

Possible side effects and bleeding changes include:

• Plan B, Ella, & YUZPE: nausea, vomiting, earlier or later menstruation, heavier or irregular bleeding, spotting.

• Hormonal IUD: Pain or discomfort with IUD placementl cramping after placement, breast tenderness, mood changes, irregular bleeding or spotting

• Copper IUD: Pain or discomfort with IUD placement, cramping after placement, increased menstrual cramping, irregular bleeding or spotting.