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Learn More About Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Use our FAQs to stay informed and decide if EC is right for you!

• What is emergency contraception (EC)?

  Emergency contraception pills (also known as the morning after pill) like Plan B, E-Contra, My Way, and ella, can be used to prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex or if your birth control method fails, such as a condom breaking/slipping off or forgetting to take a birth control pill.

  Intrauterine devices, or IUDs can also be used as EC if you are able to have one placed by a clinical provider within 5 days of unprotected sex.

  EC that you can buy at a pharmacy or drug store without a prescription is called "over-the-counter" or OTC EC. Brands like Plan B, E-Contra, and My Way are available without a prescription. You do need a prescription for ella.

• Are EC pills the same as medical abortion pills?

  No, EC cannot cause an abortion.

  EC works to prevent pregnancy before it occurs. If you are already pregnant, EC will not work. And if you take EC before you know you’re pregnant, it won’t hurt you or the pregnancy.

• How effective is EC?

  For all EC pills, the sooner you take them after unprotected sex, the more effective they are. EC should be taken within 3-5 days (72-120 hours) of unprotected sex, depending on the brand.
  

  Your weight may impact how effective EC is for you. If you weigh more than 165 pounds, over-the-counter EC pills like the one in your kit may be less effective. Ella, which is prescription-only emergency contraception, is effective up to a weight of 195 pounds. 

  IUDs are the only emergency contraception options where effectiveness is not impacted by your weight.

   If you have questions about which type of EC is right for you, you should consult with a medical provider.

• Do I need a prescription for EC?

  No, over-the-counter EC does not require a prescription to purchase. This includes brands like Plan B, E-Contra, My Way, and others.

  However, ella is only available with a prescription and an IUD must be inserted by a medical provider.

  To find a Title X provider to prescribe ella or help you get an IUD, click here.

• Where can I get EC?

  You can purchase over-the-counter EC pills at pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, on Amazon, at your local healthcare or Title X clinic, and at stores like Target and Walmart. You might want to call ahead to make sure they have it in stock. You can also get a prescription for ella through birth control apps like Nurx.

  We recommend you get EC before you need it so you have quick access to it when you do. Order free EC to have on hand through our request form.
  

  You can find information about organizations that can deliver EC to you ASAP here. 

  To find a Title X provider to prescribe ella or help you get an IUD click here.
  

• Can I get EC for my partner?

  Yes, you can! 

  People who are not able to become pregnant can purchase EC for their partners who are able. EC should be taken by the partner who can get pregnant.

• Do I have to be 18 or older to get EC?

  No. There is no age requirement to get over-the-counter EC. People of any age or gender can purchase over-the-counter EC pills wherever they are available.

  Due to a federal court ruling in December 2022, Texas minors (someone younger than 18) can only receive contraceptive (birth control) services from a medical provider if they have consent from a parent or guardian. This includes all types of emergency contraception. 

  However, minors in Texas can still get over-the-counter emergency contraception like Plan B, E-Contra, or My Way by purchasing it at a retailer or requesting it from organizations like Every Body Texas. 

  You can find more information on teens' rights in Texas here.
  

• How does EC work?

  Over-the-counter (OTC) EC is made of levonorgestrel, a hormonal medication that is similar to the progesterone hormone made by the ovaries.

  This type of EC works by delaying ovulation, which means that it temporarily prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. If there is no egg to meet the sperm, the sperm will die before a pregnancy can occur.

  It is important to know that sperm can live inside your body for several days after unprotected sex. If you are already ovulating, OTC EC like Plan B, E-Contra, or My Way won’t work, because there is already an egg ready to meet the sperm. Most people don’t know exactly when they are ovulating, which is why it’s best to take the EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (such as a broken condom).

• Does EC have side effects?

  Many people do not experience side effects from OTC EC. However, some people do and that's completely normal! Side effects, for those who experience them, are typically mild and may include:

  • A menstrual that is different than normal (lighter, heavier, earlier, or later)
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache