EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC) PILLS — MORNING AFTER PILL
| What Is It? | A safe, effective birth control method that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. | |
| What Does It Do? | Prevents a pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. EC does not end a pregnancy and will not work if a woman is already pregnant. |
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| Brand Name of Pill | Next Choice®, Plan B One-Step™, ella®, and others. | |
| What Happens to Your Body? | Most women don't experience side effects from EC. Some women have nausea, vomiting, headache, or dizziness for a short time after taking the pills. The next period may come a few days early or late. |
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| How Much Does It Cost? | EC costs $35 - $60 for one dose. Some insurance plans cover it, if it is prescribed by a doctor. In some states, Medicaid covers it. | |
| Do Teens Have To Tell Their Parents? | No. | |
| Are There Any Other EC Options? | Yes. A copper IUD (ParaGard®) can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. This is more effective than EC pills, and the IUD can be an ongoing contraceptive method. | |
| Progestin EC Next Choice®, Plan B One-Step™, etc |
Ulipristal EC ella® |
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| What's In The Pills? | Progestin, a hormone found in daily birth control pills. | Ulipristal, a hormone that is not in regular birth control pills. |
| When Do You Take It? | The sooner it is taken, the better it works. It works up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but works best within the first 3 days. Some packs contain 1 pill, and some packs contain 2 pills. The 2 pills can be taken together. |
ella® works up to five days after sex. It works just as well 5 days after sex as it does the first day. |
| How Do You Find It? | Progestin EC is available at a pharmacy without a prescription for anyone who is 17 and older. Women under 17 need a prescription to get EC. | ella® is available only with a prescription. |
| Ask your health care provider or visit www.not-2-late.com | ||