Emergency contraception

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception isn't meant to be used in place of routine birth control. But it's an option if you have unprotected sex, your method of birth control fails or you miss a birth control pill.

To be effective, emergency contraception must be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Options include emergency contraception pills and the copper intrauterine device (IUD).

Emergency contraception pills — such as Next Choice One Dose, Plan B One-Step and Ella — can be used up to five days after unprotected sex. But the pills are more effective the sooner you take them.

A copper IUD (ParaGard) can also be used as emergency contraception. To prevent pregnancy, the IUD must be inserted within five days after unprotected sex.

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Feb. 09, 2023

See also

  1. Preejaculation fluid and pregnancy
  2. Birth control options
  3. Birth control pill FAQ
  4. Can birth control pills cause birth defects?
  5. Breastfeeding and medications
  6. Choosing a birth control pill
  7. Delaying your period with hormonal birth control
  8. Extended-cycle birth control pills and spotting
  9. Ovulation signs
  10. Rhythm method for natural family planning
  11. Sperm life span