What is emergency contraception?
How can I get emergency contraception?
Can I use emergency contraception as birth control?
Does emergency contraception cause an abortion?
If I take emergency contraception and I'm pregnant, will it hurt the fetus?
Does emergency contraception protect me against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
How much does emergency contraception cost?

Emergency contraception is a way to reduce the risk of pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

• The most common method of emergency contraception is the use of ordinary birth control pills or other hormones taken in higher doses up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
• The sooner a woman uses emergency contraception, the more effective EC is in preventing pregnancy.
• One dose is taken as soon as possible and the second dose is taken 12 hours later.
• A clinician or doctor must prescribe the pills.
• Another effective method of emergency contraception is the insertion of a copper IUD within five to seven days after intercourse. However, the IUD as an emergency method is used rarely, is costly, and requires a medical exam and insertion by a health care provider.

• You can get EC at Planned Parenthood and from many health care providers. In the San Francisco Bay Area, call 1-800-967-PLAN. To be connected to the Planned Parenthood nearest you, call 1-800-230-7526.
• You can also find the name and phone number of five emergency contraception providers nearest you by calling the emergency contraception hotline toll free at 1-888-NOT-2-LATE.
• "Dial EC" allows both first-time and established patients to receive a prescription for EC from any Planned Parenthood, and instructions in their use, over the telephone, with no clinic visit required.
• "EC-to-Go" offers women emergency contraception kits to take home "just in case." These kits are called Preven or Plan B. Ask about these services in your Planned Parenthood health center today.
  

No. It should only be used in an emergency. It is not as effective as a regular birth control method.

Emergency contraception does not cause abortion. It works to prevent ovulation or to prevent the egg from attaching to the uterus. It's not the same as RU-486, mifepristone, or methotrexate (the "abortion pill").

Studies have shown that taking EC pills won't hurt the fetus. However, we do not advise taking EC if you think you might be pregnant.

Having an IUD inserted could cause miscarriage, so your clinician should have you take a pregnancy test before putting in an IUD for emergency contraception.

No. To reduce the risk of STIs and HIV, you need to use a condom every time you have sex.

The cost depends on your income and family size. The cost may be covered by health insurance or government funding. Use our Cost Calculator to find our how much it will cost you.