Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know Fast

Got worried after unprotected sex? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to panic. Emergency contraception (often called the "morning‑after pill" or EC) is a safe, proven way to lower the chance of an unwanted pregnancy when taken soon after intercourse.

How It Works and When to Take It

EC works by delaying or stopping ovulation, so the sperm never meets an egg. It won’t end an existing pregnancy, so if you’re already pregnant it won’t work. Timing matters: the sooner you take it, the better. Most pills are approved up to 72 hours, but some, like ulipristal acetate, stay effective for up to five days. If you can’t get a pill quickly, a copper IUD can be placed within five days and is the most reliable single‑dose method.

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

  • Levonorgestrel pills (Plan B, Next‑Choice): 85‑95 % effective if taken within 72 h.
  • Ulipristal acetate (Ella): About 98 % effective up to 120 h.
  • Copper IUD: Over 99 % effective when inserted within five days.

All of them are more effective the earlier you act. If you’re past the 72‑hour window, don’t give up—ulipristal or a copper IUD might still be options.

Choosing the Right Option for You

First, check if you have any medical conditions that could clash with hormone‑based EC. Most women can use levonorgestrel safely, but if you have severe liver disease, a copper IUD might be a better fit. Ulipristal works even if you’re on hormonal birth control, which some levonorgestrel pills can’t overcome.

Getting EC is easy in many places. You can walk into a pharmacy, a family planning clinic, or a doctor’s office. Some pharmacies sell levonorgestrel without a prescription, while ulipristal and IUDs require a health professional’s order.

Side effects are mild for most people—think nausea, a bit of headache, or spotting. If you vomit within two hours of taking a pill, you should take another dose because the medicine may not have been absorbed.

After you’ve taken EC, think about a regular birth‑control method if you don’t already have one. EC is a backup, not a primary method. Talk to a pharmacist or clinician about pills, patches, rings, or long‑acting options like an IUD or implant.

Common myths can cloud judgment. EC does **not** cause an abortion, it **does not** affect your future fertility, and it **does not** protect against STIs. If you need STI testing, get it separately.

Bottom line: if you’ve had unprotected sex, you have a window of opportunity. Pick the method that fits your health, budget, and timing, and act fast. You deserve peace of mind, and emergency contraception gives you just that.