Emergency Contraception: Quick Facts, Options & How to Use Them

If you think you might get pregnant after unprotected sex, you’ve got options that work fast. Emergency contraception isn’t a regular birth‑control method, but it can stop a pregnancy if you act in time. Below you’ll find the main choices, how they differ, and tips for getting them safely.

Types of Emergency Contraception

The two most common forms are the morning‑after pill and the copper IUD. The pill comes in one or two doses, usually with levonorgestrel or ulipristal. It works best within 72 hours, though ulipristal stays effective up to 120 hours. The copper IUD is a tiny device a doctor inserts into the uterus. It can prevent pregnancy up to five days after sex and then offers long‑term birth control for up to 10 years.

Both methods are safe for most people, but they have different side‑effects. The pill may cause nausea, fatigue, or a temporary change in your period. The IUD can cause cramping or light spotting after insertion, but serious complications are rare.

What You Need to Know Before Taking It

Timing is the biggest factor. The sooner you get emergency contraception, the higher the chance it will work. A pill taken within 24 hours can be over 95 % effective; after 72 hours the success rate drops sharply. The copper IUD works even if you wait a few days, but you still need a healthcare provider to place it.

Make sure you’re not allergic to the ingredients. If you’ve had severe reactions to hormonal birth‑control before, discuss alternatives with a pharmacist or doctor. Also, if you’re taking certain medications—like some epilepsy drugs or antibiotics—they might lower the pill’s effectiveness, so a IUD could be a better backup.

Getting the pill is easy: many pharmacies sell it over the counter without a prescription. Just ask for “morning‑after pill” or “emergency contraceptive.” For the IUD, you’ll need an appointment with a clinic, OB‑GYN, or family‑planning provider. Some community health centers offer same‑day insertions if you call ahead.

After you’ve taken emergency contraception, keep an eye on your next period. It may arrive earlier or later than usual, but you should get it within three weeks. If you miss your period entirely, take a pregnancy test. Even though the methods are reliable, no emergency contraception is 100 % guaranteed.

Remember, emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re at risk, use condoms or get tested. Combining condoms with emergency contraception can give you dual protection for that one‑off situation.

Many people wonder if they can use emergency contraception repeatedly. The answer is yes, but it’s not meant as a regular birth‑control choice. If you find yourself needing it often, talk to a healthcare professional about a more consistent method that fits your lifestyle.

Bottom line: act fast, choose the method that fits your health and timeline, and don’t hesitate to ask a pharmacist or doctor any questions. Emergency contraception is a safe, effective safety net when you need it most.