Emergency Contraception

We have a birth control option that can be used AFTER unprotected sex! Learn how to safely prevent pregnancy with emergency contraceptive pills, up to three days AFTER unprotected sex!!!

Surprised? You’re not alone! Most women – young and old alike – don’t know that emergency contraceptive pills exist. And, of the few women who know that they exist, most don’t know that emergency contraceptive pills are a birth control method to be used AFTER unprotected sex!*

I Have Never Heard of Emergency Contraceptive Pills! What Are They?

Emergency contraceptive pills are also known as the morning-after pill and postcoital contraception, but the term emergency contraceptive pills is more accurate because they can be used any time up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.

The Facts - Emergency Contraceptive Pills Are...

How Do Emergency Contraceptive Pills Work?

Emergency contraceptive pills should be taken within five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex – with the first dose taken as soon as possible. The pills can still be somewhat effective even after 120 hours, so you may still be able to take them after the 120-hour time frame to reduce your risk of getting pregnant.

Emergency contraceptive pills do not cause abortion! In fact, experts agree that, because emergency contraception prevents pregnancy, it reduces the need for abortion. At the same time, taking emergency contraceptive pills involves making a decision based on your own beliefs. So think carefully and talk to others who may help you decide. Then, make your own decision.

I Don't Want to Become Pregnant...When Should I Consider Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

If you have had unprotected sex and don’t want to become pregnant, you may be scared, confused, and overwhelmed. But remember – you can take emergency contraceptive pills when:

1. The condom broke, leaked, or slipped off!
2. He didn’t "pull out" in time!
3. Neither one of you used birth control!
4. You realize you started your new pack of birth control pills more than two days late!
5. You realize you missed taking your birth control pills for two or more days!
6. You missed the deadline for your Depo shot (contraceptive injection)!
7. Your diaphragm or cervical cap was inserted wrong, slipped out of place, was removed too soon, or was torn!
8. You miscalculated your safe days!
9. You were raped or sexually assaulted or forced to have sex!

How and Where Can I Get Emergency Contraceptive Pills - When I Need Them?

If you have had unprotected sex in the past five days (120 hours) and are trying to get emergency contraception, chances are you’re worried, maybe even panicked. Here are the ways to get a emergency contraception:

1. If you are age 18 or older, you are now able to get EC without a prescription in pharmacies that carry it. You will need to ask the pharmacist for EC and you have to show a government issued proof of age such as a driver's licence, passport or birth certificate.
2. If you are under age 18 and you live in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, or Washington state, then you live in one of the few states in the country where you can get EC without a doctor's prescription. Pharmacists working in drug stores in your state are able to provide EC without a doctor's prescription. To find a pharmacist near you that provides EC, click on the name of your state above.
3. If you are under age 18 and don't live in one of these states, then you need to get a doctor's prescription for EC. There is only one brand of EC on the market today in the United States—it is called Plan B®. To get a prescription for Plan B® you can:
   • Call your regular doctor or nurse practitioner. Tell him/her that you'd like a prescription for Plan B® emergency contraception. He/she may provide you with a prescription over the phone or may ask you to come in for an appointment.
   • Contact your student health center or a local family planning clinic. Ask if they provide emergency contraception. If you are not a patient there, they may ask you to come in for an appointment. Make the earliest appointment (make sure it is within the five day time period) and go in!

Don't have a regular doctor or know where the local family planning clinic is? Don't panic. Call a hotline to find a provider near you.

• All Planned Parenthood clinics provide confidential contraceptive services, including EC, for teens. Call 1-800-230 PLAN or visit http://www.teenwire.com to find the Planned Parenthood Clinic nearest you.
• Call the toll-free, confidential, 24-hour EC Hotline (1-888-NOT-2-LATE) or visit http://www.not-2-late.com to find a doctor or clinic near you that provides EC.

How and Where Can I Get Emergency Contraceptive Pills - Before I Need Them?

The American Medical Association and the Society for Adolescent Medicine, recognizing the need to take EC quickly after unprotected sex, recently recommended that physicians provide their patients with EC before they need it. But, don't wait for your doctor to suggest EC for you. Go out and get EC before you need it! Getting EC now means you will have it available if you ever need it. A little planning now, could save you a lot of anxiety—and maybe even an unplanned pregnancy—later.

Plus, if you get emergency contraceptive pills before you need them, you’ll...

1. Be prepared to take them when you need them.
2. Be able to talk with your partner, friends, and/or parents about using emergency contraception as "backup birth control."
3. Be able to schedule an appointment with a trustworthy, affordable, and conveniently located doctor at a time that is good for you.
4. Actually have emergency contraception on hand just in case!

How Much Will I Have to Pay?

Emergency contraceptive pills cost between $35 and $75. You may also have to pay for an appointment. Fortunately, most family planning clinics offer discounts or free services to teens. Some doctors may provide a prescription for emergency contraceptive pills right over the phone, especially if you're already a patient!

You do not need a pelvic exam and/or pregnancy test before getting a prescription for these pills. However, some doctors may insist on doing a pelvic exam and/or pregnancy test before providing a prescription.

What Will Happen When I Take Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Emergency contraceptive pills may make you nauseous, dizzy, or tired. You may vomit and have a headache and sore breasts. These side effects are temporary and should last less than a day or two.

It’s normal for your next period to be a few days late or early. It may be heavier, lighter, or more spotty than usual. If your period doesn’t come, you should take a pregnancy test.

Is Emergency Contraception Effective?

Yes – especially the sooner you take them after unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills can reduce your risk of pregnancy by 75-94 percent.

Remember --

Emergency contraceptive pills provide no protection against STDs, including HIV, and are less effective than some other forms of birth control. Using regular birth control pills and condoms, or combining the contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) with condoms, is the best way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

Can I Get Emergency Contraception without My Parents’ Knowledge or Consent If I Am under 18?

Yes. But, some doctors may require your parent’s consent before (or after) they give you a prescription – even though they may not be required to do so by law. If you are concerned about your parents finding out, ask the doctor if the emergency contraception and appointment are confidential.

If you contact a provider who requires your parents’ consent, ask for a referral to another doctor who will provide confidential services. Or, you may want to call 1-800-230-PLAN for the nearest Planned Parenthood clinic. All Planned Parenthood clinics provide confidential services to teens.

Also, be aware that if you use your parent’s health insurance, your parent will probably receive an information form or a bill for the emergency contraception and related services.

What Can I Do Now that I Know About Emergency Contraception?

Now that you know about emergency contraceptive pills, spread the word!!!

• Sign a Petition to access to emergency contraception!
• Tell your friends, write a column for your school or local newspaper, and educate your school’s nurses, guidance counselors, health education teachers, and class advisors.
• Find out if student health center provides emergency contraceptive pills. If not, start a petition and/or organize a demonstration to call attention to the fact that emergency contraception isn’t available.
• Make a presentation at a meeting of people who should know about emergency contraception, such as your school’s student government association, school board meeting, parent-teacher association (PTA), etc.

For more information, check out these Web sites!

• Advocates for Youth – provides great information about sexual health issues as well as a fact sheet about emergency contraception to give to school personnel and/or parents.
• Not-2-Late – provides accurate information about emergency contraception and a directory of providers in your area.
• Teenwire - gives great information on emergency contraception, safer sex, and more. And, gives referrals to local Planned Parenthood clinics.
• Go Ask Alice – has loads of questions and answers on all kinds of relationship and sexual health issues, including emergency contraceptive pills.