Emergency Contraception

What Is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, is a type of medication taken after unprotected sex to potentially prevent pregnancy. Before deciding to use any emergency contraception, it’s important to gather all necessary information to make an informed choice. Your health is a priority, and we can offer free, confidential pregnancy tests to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Some emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B One-Step and ella, are commonly used. However, they may not be effective if you are already pregnant. Taking emergency contraception unnecessarily could expose you to unnecessary, expensive hormones. It’s also important to avoid purchasing medication online without consulting a healthcare professional, as your safety and well-being are critical.

What Is Plan B One-Step?
Plan B One-Step is an emergency contraceptive taken after unprotected sex in hopes of preventing pregnancy.

Is Plan B One-Step Safe?
Plan B One-Step contains a high dose of hormones, much larger than the daily birth control pill. Common side effects include heavier periods, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, and a delayed period. After taking Plan B, fertility generally returns quickly, which means the drug may trigger ovulation in your body.

Is Plan B One-Step Effective?
Pregnancy is possible during specific times in your menstrual cycle. If you had sex when you weren’t able to become pregnant, Plan B One-Step would not only be unnecessary but also an expensive dose of hormones. One study found that Plan B failed up to 39% of the time, depending on when it was taken.

When Is Plan B One-Step Effective?
The drug is said to be effective when taken up to 72 hours (three days) after sex, but some clinics suggest it can be taken up to 120 hours (five days). For your safety, it is essential to follow the dosage guidelines. Be cautious of sellers offering the drug outside its recommended usage period.

What Is ella?
ella is another form of emergency contraception, and it works similarly to RU-486, the abortion pill.

Is ella Safe?
In moments of panic following unprotected sex, some women may rush to take ella. However, it’s important to remember that pregnancy can only occur during ovulation. Taking ella when you’re not fertile exposes your body to unnecessary chemicals and can be a waste of money. Common side effects of ella include headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue, and dizziness. There are still many unknowns about ella, including its effects on women under 18, those over 35, and those taking other hormonal contraceptives, as well as its effects during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or repeated use within the same menstrual cycle.

Is ella Effective?
When used as directed, ella may reduce the chance of pregnancy, but it isn’t guaranteed to be effective in every case. In two studies, ella reduced the number of expected pregnancies from about 5.5% to 2.2%. However, if you’re already using hormonal contraceptives, ella may be less effective, leaving you more vulnerable to pregnancy.

When Is ella Effective?
ella can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. Deciding whether to use emergency contraception is an important decision, and we’re here to help answer any questions you may have. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us for confidential support from a trained peer consultant.

Everything we offer is free, confidential, and designed to ensure your health and well-being.