Q: What is emergency contraception?
A: Emergency contraception - or EC for short - is a back-up form of birth control. It is a safe and effective way to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure.
Q: How does EC work?
A: EC contains a higher dosage of the same ingredients found in birth control pills. Plan B, the only type of EC currently available in the United States, contains a higher dosage of the hormone progestin. Although EC is taken after sex, it works before a pregnancy is established - just like other forms of birth control. Progestin suppresses the surge of lutenizing hormone (LH) that normally acts as a trigger for the ovulation process.
Q: When is EC most effective?
A: Labels for the FDA-approved products say EC should be used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse and recent research shows this window can be extended to 120 hours (5 days). EC is most effective up to 24 hours after unprotected sex.
Q: Does EC cause an abortion?
A: No! EC has no effect on existing pregnancies and will NOT cause the termination of a pregnancy. It is NOT the same as the abortion pill - Mifeprex or RU-486.
Q: Where can I buy EC?
A: Just type your zip code into the box on the map page (link to the map page) and you can find out where EC is sold in your area.
Q: Can I buy EC without a prescription? Do I have to be 18?
A: Yes, you can buy EC over the counter at your local pharmacy upon the presentation of a government issued form of identification. You MUST be 18 or over. If you are 17 or younger, a prescription is required.
Q: How can I get a prescription if I am 17 or under?
A: To get EC you’ll need a prescription from your doctor or other heath care provider. You don’t need your parents’ permission to get EC. Many clinicians will require you to come in for an office visit. Some health care providers have set up systems to be able to phone in a prescription for you instead. In AK, CA, HI, MA, ME, NH, NM, VT and WA, you can get EC directly from your local pharmacy regardless of your age.
Q: Does EC have any long-term or short-term side effects?
A: EC has no long-term or serious side effects and it is safe for almost every woman to use. Some women feel queasy or vomit after taking EC. Other side effects include headache, dizziness, tiredness, breast tenderness, or lower abdominal pain. Side effects should not last more than a day or two. Some women find that the extra hormones in EC cause unexpected bleeding. Don’t worry - it’s not dangerous or abnormal! EC may also cause your next period to come early or late.
Q: Are Plan B, the morning after pill, emergency contraception, EC and emergency birth control all the same thing?
A: Yes! One pill, so many names. Plan B is the medication's actual name and it is what you should ask for at the pharmacy. It is the only type of EC available in the United States.
Q: Can men buy EC?
A: Of course! EC is available to ANYONE over the age of 18.
Q: Should I buy EC just in case I need it one day?
A: Yes! If you are sexually active (or plan to be sexually active) it is a great idea to have EC before you need it since it is the most effective up to 24 hours after sex. It’s always smart to be prepared!
Q: What if I don’t have a government issued ID proving my age? What if I can’t afford the price of a pack of Plan B? Where can I find more information about EC?
A: Even if you can’t access EC at the pharmacy because you don’t have ID or you can’t afford the price, you can still get emergency contraception! To find an EC provider near you, many of whom can help you access low-cost or even free EC, call the toll-free, confidential, 24 Hour Emergency Contraception Hotline: 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
(English) or 1-866-EN-TRES-DIAS (Spanish). You can also visit the emergency contraception website: English or Spanish