WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Birth Control Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Birth Control - Emergency Contraception

You can use emergency contraception if a condom breaks, you've forgotten a pill, you are taking other medications that may affect contraception medications, or you have had unprotected sex. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

There are two kinds of emergency contraception:

  • Hormonal emergency contraception. Even though it is called the "morning-after pill," hormonal emergency contraception is effective when taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, although it is most effective when it is used within 72 hours.
  • Copper T intrauterine device. The copper IUD is inserted within 7 days after unprotected sex.

The Emergency Contraception Web site at http://ec.princeton.edu/ can help you find an emergency contraception provider close to you.

You can buy Plan B in most drugstores.

  • If you are 18 or older, you can get Plan B from a pharmacist, without a prescription. Bring proof of your age.
  • If you are younger than 18, you can get Plan B with a prescription.

Some pharmacists refuse to fill emergency contraception prescriptions based on their personal beliefs. If this happens to you, ask for the location of a pharmacist who will fill the prescription, use the Web address above, or call the Planned Parenthood clinic closest to you.

Next Article:

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 23, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
webMD Video

click to expand/contract  Microbicides for HIV Protection?

A lot of research money is spent on HIV vaccines but now some of the focus has turned to microbicides. Why?

Watch Video

click to expand/contract  No More Periods

click to expand/contract  National Condom Day

click to expand/contract  Teens and STDs

click to expand/contract  Teen Epidemic: Chlamydia

Most Popular Stories