Emergency Contraception

 

Emergency contraception—also called EC, the morning after pill, or Plan B—is birth control you can use to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. If you have unprotected sex or if your method fails—for instance, if a condom breaks—emergency contraception can stop you from ovulating and may prevent pregnancy.

 

Emergency contraception is now available at retail pharmacies. Preterm offers it at a discounted cost, the lowest price available. Emergency contraception is available to purchase most days we’re seeing patients. Call us if you’d like to buy some to have on hand.​

 

How emergency contraception works

To be effective, you need to take emergency contraception as soon as possible and no more than 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. The sooner you use it, the more effective it is.

 

Emergency contraception is not the same as a medication abortion. Pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. Emergency contraception can prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus or prevent the release of an egg.

 

You should have a normal period in 2–3 weeks. If not, you may be pregnant and can call us to explore your options.

 

What if emergency contraception fails?

If emergency contraception fails to prevent a pregnancy, you can call Preterm to discuss your options.