Emergency contraception is a form of birth control that reduces the chance of an unintended pregnancy if a their birth control failed, or after having unprotected sexual intercourse. Emergency contraception works by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting by thinning the uterine lining, or by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. Emergency contraceptives can be purchased over the counter, prescribed by a healthcare provider, or implanted during an in-office procedure by a trained healthcare provider. Community Health Connection currently offers two types of emergency contraception.
There are two types of oral emergency contraceptive available. Depending on which type a woman prefers, a prescription may be required. Your provider can help you decide by discussing effective rates, dosing instructions, and side effects.
- Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, My way is a pill containing the hormone progestin, which is commonly found in most birth control pills.
- Ella , another pill contains the active ingredient ulipristal acetate, and works to stop or delay ovaries from releasing an egg. Ella is considered the most effective oral emergency contraceptive according to the CDC.
ParaGard IUD (intrauterine device)
ParaGard is a non-hormonal copper IUD inserted into the uterus. It is considered the most medically effective method to prevent an unplanned pregnancy after having unprotected sex. Women choosing this method are required to schedule an appointment with a physician or healthcare provider to receive the device.
Important Facts to know About Emergency Contraceptives
- Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken within 3 to 5 days after unprotected sex.
- Emergency contraceptive pills are not the same as the abortion pill, and will not affect a pregnancy.
- Emergency contraceptives should not be used as a standard method to prevent pregnancy.
If you think your birth control method has failed, or you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, you can use emergency contraceptives right away to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Call 918.622.0641 immediately for a confidential appointment to discuss your options with a caring and compassionate healthcare provider. For more information, visit the following links:
Emergency Contraception Fact Sheet
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Funding for this webpage was made possible by the Office of Population Affairs (Grant PA-FPH-16-036). The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.