Find low or no cost EC in Texas.

Got questions about EC? We've got answers.

• What is emergency contraception (EC)?

  Emergency contraception pills (also known as the morning after pill) like Plan B, Econtra, ella, My Way, and Preventeza 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 that does not require a prescription is called "over-the-counter" or OTC EC. Brands like Plan B, Econtra, My Way, and Preventeza 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/BMI (body mass index) may impact how effective EC is for you. If your BMI is more than 25, over-the-counter EC pills like Plan B or like the one in your kit may be less effective. ella, which is prescription-only emergency contraception, is effective up to a BMI of 34. IUDs are the only emergency contraception options where effectiveness is not impacted by your weight.

  You can calculate your BMI here: Adult BMI Calculator | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity | CDC. If you have questions about what 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, Econtra, My Way, Preventeza, 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 find 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. 

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

  You can find information on our website for organizations that can deliver or mail EC to you for free in the list earlier on this page.

  We recommend you get EC before you need it so you have quick access to it when you do.

• 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. 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, Title X clinics in Texas currently require consent from a parent or guardian if a minor (someone younger than 18) is seeking contraception (birth control). This includes over-the-counter emergency contraception and those types that are only available with a prescription or a clinical visit like ella or an IUD at Title X clinics.

  You can use our Clinic Locator to find a Title X clinic near you.