Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) reduces your risk of pregnancy after having unprotected sex (sex without birth control or when birth control fails).
There are several forms of EC available, including insertion of an IUD, specific dosages of certain birth control pills and Plan B. The earlier EC is used, the more effective it is. EC won’t work if you are already pregnant and will not harm a fetus or cause an abortion.
Plan B is the method most commonly offered at UHS.
Using Plan B
Plan B can prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs or by affecting fertilization.
It should be taken within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. It reduces the likelihood of pregnancy, but is not 100% effective. The sooner it's taken, the more effective it is.
Use EC only in emergencies, including when you had sex without birth control and don't want to become pregnant; the condom broke; you missed two or more birth control pills; your diaphragm slipped; you missed your birth control shot; or you were raped.
EC should not be used repeatedly. It's less effective than ongoing, correct use of regular birth control methods and offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
If your period is more than one to two weeks late, talk to your provider about a pregnancy test.
Side effects
While side effects of Plan B are rare, some women may experience nausea and vomiting, or spotting or changes to the flow, length and/or timing of their next period.
Getting EC
Women 18 and over may obtain Plan B without a prescription; it's available with a prescription for women 17 and younger. Talk with your healthcare provider or a UHS pharmacist about dispensing options that may save you money.
Plan B is available at Walk-in Care, as an anticipatory prescription from your provider, and from the UHS Pharmacy.
IUD insertion is available by appointment; call (413) 577-5101.
