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What it Is 

Emergency contraception or EC is a method of birth control that stops pregnancy from happening. It’s not meant to be used as your primary method of birth control—hence the name emergency contraception—but we all know that accidents happen, so it's best to know about this method before you need it. Right now, there are three types of EC:*

• ParaGard IUD: Believe it or not, this type of IUD can function as EC if you have a doc insert it within five days of unprotected sex.
• ella: This is a one-pill formula that works up to five days after unprotected sex. Available by prescription only. There is no age limit to access ella.
• Plan B One-Step, Next Choice ONE DOSE, Next Choice, and Levonorgestrel: These types of EC are most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex; Plan B One-Step and Next Choice ONE DOSE are single pill formulas, and Next Choice and Levonorgestrel are two-pill formulas.  All of these options are available over-the-counter (meaning that you can go into your local pharmacy and ask for it). There is no age limit to access Plan B One-Step, though you still need a prescription to access Next Choice ONE DOSE, Next Choice and Levonorgestrel if you're under 17.

*a fourth method, the Yuzpe method, is a little more complicated to use, so we recommend sticking with one of the three methods detailed here.

How it Works

It depends on the method that you’re using, but all the options significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken within five days of unprotected sex.

Effectiveness

Depends on your method of choice; ParaGard is super effective and the pill methods are a bit less effective.

Note: When we talk about effectiveness we mean typical use numbers or what happens when couples used this method of birth control prettywell; it accounts for human errors and occasional contraceptive failure. BUT, teenagers are often not as careful as older people in using these methods, so real typical use rates for teens may be a little worse than what you see here. Keep that in mind as you're looking at the options and remember that for birth control to be effective, you have to use it consistently and correctly every single time.

Major Perks

• All methods reduce your risk of unplanned pregnancy.
• ParaGard IUD: Super effective; bonus: you get a super effective, long lasting method of birth control (ParaGard is effective up to 12 years).
• ella: Effective; no age limit to obtain ella.
• Plan B One-Step: Effective, no age limit to obtain Plan B One-Step.
• Next Choice ONE DOSE, Next Choice, and Levonorgestrel: Effective; no doctor visit required.

Minor Drawbacks

• ParaGard IUD: Pain (some women report that insertion is painful/uncomfortable); many doc’s won’t insert an IUD in younger women (so you may have to fight to get one); irregular bleeding (getting an IUD can change make your period heavier, lighter, or cause spotting).
• ella: Nausea and sore breasts; irregular bleeding (taking ella can make your period heavier, lighter, or cause spotting).
• Plan B One-Step, Next Choice ONE DOSE, Next Choice, and Levonorgestrel: Headache, nausea, and sore breasts; irregular bleeding (take these types of EC can make your period heavier, lighter, or cause spotting); must be 17 years or older except for Plan B One-Step.

Note: Not every woman experiences these drawbacks—they are just some of the ones that are commonly reported. Talk to your doc to learn more and keep in mind that if this method doesn’t work for you, there are LOTS more out there…but it’s best to wait at least six months to see if things get better before you decide to switch. If they don’t, or if you just can’t deal with them, talk with your doctor about finding something that works for you.

Doctor’s Visit Required?

• ParaGard IUD: Yep; you’ll need to make an appointment to have the IUD inserted by a doctor or health care professional. 
• ella: Yep; you’ll need to see a doctor to get a prescription for ella.
• Plan B One-Step: Nope, and no age restrictions either (you should be able to find it on the shelf near the condoms and other "family planning" stuff!).
• Next Choice ONE DOSE, Next Choice, and Levonorgestrel: Nope; if you’re 17 or older, you can visit a pharmacy and request one of these methods (they'll be behind the pharmacy counter so you'll have to ask for them and show ID to get them).

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