You Got Your Go Bag! Now what?

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 called the morning-after pill), like Plan B®, E-Contra®, My Way®, and ella®, can help prevent pregnancy if you had sex without using protection or if something went wrong — like a condom broke or you forgot to take your birth control pill.

  Some of these pills, like Plan B®, E-Contra®, and My Way®, can be bought at a drugstore without a doctor’s prescription. These are called "over-the-counter" or OTC emergency contraception.

  ella® is another kind of emergency contraception pill, but you need a prescription from a doctor to get it. It works for a longer time after sex and is more effective for people who weigh between 165 and 195 pounds.

  You can also use IUDs (intrauterine devices) to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex if you are able to have one placed by a doctor within 5 days.

• Where can I find instructions to take EC?

  The manufacturer pamphlet inside the EC box is the best place to get instructions about taking EC. It will include detailed info about how the medication works best.

• 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?

  Although no contraceptive method is 100% effective, EC works very well when taken correctly. When used as directed by the manufacturer, 7 out of 8 users who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant. All emergency contraception (EC) pills work best when you take them as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel pills like Plan B® or E-Contra® (which you can get at a store without a prescription) should be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex. This is the type of EC inside Repro Go Bags.

  ella® (available by prescription) can be taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. Certain IUDs can also be used as EC if inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex.

• Does weight affect how well EC works?

  Your weight can affect how well EC pills work. If you weigh more than 165 pounds, levonorgestrel EC pills like the one in Repro Go Bags might not work as well. The prescription EC, ella®, works better for people who weigh between 165 and 195 pounds.

  IUDs (a type of birth control a doctor puts in) are the only emergency contraception that works the same no matter how much you weigh.

  If you’re not sure which kind of EC is right for you, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.

• 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 from a doctor. IUDs must also be placed by a physician.

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

• Where can I get EC?

  You can buy over-the-counter EC pills at places like CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or even on Amazon. Many local health clinics or Title X clinics also have EC pills. It’s a good idea to call the store or clinic first to make sure they have it in stock. You can also get a prescription for a different EC pill called ella® through birth control apps like Nurx.

  We recommend you get EC before you need it, so you have it ready just in case. 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 can’t get pregnant can still buy EC for their partners who can. The person who can get pregnant is the one who should take the EC.

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

  No. There is no age requirement to buy over-the-counter EC pills. Anyone — no matter how old they are or what gender they are — can buy these pills at any store that sells them.

  In Texas, doctors can only give birth control to someone under 18 if their parent or guardian says it’s okay. This includes all types of emergency contraception. 

  But even if you're under 18 in Texas, you can still get over-the-counter emergency contraception like Plan B®, E-Contra®, or My Way® by buying it at a store or asking for it from certain organizations like Every Body Texas. 

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

• How does EC work?

  Over-the-counter EC pills, like Plan B®, E-Contra®, or My Way®, are made of a hormone called levonorgestrel. This hormone is similar to one your body already makes.

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

  It’s important to know that sperm can stay alive inside the body for a few days after unprotected sex. If you're already ovulating (meaning your body has already released an egg), these types of EC pills won’t work because the egg is already there.

  Since most people don’t know exactly when they’re ovulating, it’s best to take emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex or if something went wrong — like a condom breaking.

• 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 usually mild and may include:

  • A menstrual cycle that is different than normal (lighter, heavier, earlier, or later)
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
• Are the items in Repro Go Bags sensitive to temperature?

  Yes, our Repro Go Bags contain items that are temperature sensitive. Be sure to check your mailbox frequently to ensure the quality of your items. EC should be stored at 68°F – 77°F, in a dry place away from direct sunlight.