Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. It is a term used for drugs taken after sex with the intent to prevent pregnancy. There are different brands of emergency contraception available, but the most common in America are Plan B One-Step and ella.

While emergency contraception is not the abortion pill, it has the potential to cause a very early abortion in some cases. However, it works primarily by preventing conception.

If you have questions about emergency contraception, we are here to help you. We are just a phone call away.

PLAN B ONE-STEP

Plan B One-Step is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive also referred to as the morning-after pill. It is intended to prevent pregnancy following a known or suspected contraceptive failure, unprotected intercourse, or forced sex. It is not intended to be used as a routine contraceptive. [1] 

Plan B One-Step will not disrupt an implanted pregnancy, but may prevent a newly formed life from implanting in the uterus. Usage may also alter the next expected menses. It does not protect against STI/HIV [2] 

Plan B One-Step consists of one pill taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. [3] 

Side effects may include changes in your period, including heavier menstrual bleeding; nausea: lower abdominal pain; fatigue; headache; and dizziness.[4] If your period is more than a week late, pregnancy should be considered. If you are experiencing lower abdominal pain, you should be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy. [5] 

ELLA

ella is a progesterone agonist/antagonist emergency contraceptive [6] to be used within 5 days of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “the week-after pill.” It is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive [7] 

Before taking ella, you should exclude pregnancy. Use of ella is not indicated for termination of an existing pregnancy.  If you experience lower abdominal pain, you should be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy. Ella may also alter the next expected menses. If your period is more than one week late, pregnancy should be ruled out. [8]

The most common adverse reactions of ella include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, dysmenorrhea, fatigue, and dizziness.[9] ella does not protect agains HIV infection (AIDS) or other STIs [10] and is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. [11]

If you are considering using emergency contraception, you can call us to discuss your situation with our trained staff. All our peer counseling services are free and confidential.

Our center offers consultations and accurate information about all emergency contraceptives; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.