Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception. It’s just that – contraception. EC is used to prevent pregnancy within 120 hours of having unprotected sex. EC can be used if:

• The condom breaks

• No birth control was used.

• You miss 2 or more birth control pills,
  or start a pack 2 or more days late.

• You missed your birth control shot.

• Your diaphragm slips.

• You have sex unexpectedly and without protection.

• You are raped.

No birth control method is fail-safe, and few couples can use their method perfectly every time they have sex. Emergency contraception can provide an important safety net, since it’s up to 89% effective if taken within 72 hours. In fact, researchers estimate that if everyone knew about and used EC, half of the unintended pregnancies in the US could be prevented!

EC cannot interrupt or end an established pregnancy, and shouldn’t be confused with mifepristone (RU-486). EC is made up of elevated levels of certain birth control pills. It is often referred to as the “morning after pill.” EC is available without a prescription at pharmacy counters for women ages 18 and over. If you are 17 or under, you need a prescription from a licensed health care provider to get EC. Remember, EC is available for women of all ages at all PPNNY Health Centers in the North Country. Click here for the center nearest you.

To learn more about emergency contraception, click the icon below.