Emergency contraception

EC should be available at most pharmacies and health clinics, but it’s probably worth looking into where in your area it’s available before going to get it. That said, we highly recommend always keeping EC on hand “just in case.” The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. And it’s a lot less stressful than running around town looking for some after the fact.

Yes. You can take emergency contraception pills (the morning-after pill) at any time of day for up to 5 days after unprotected sex. For emergency contraception pills like Plan B One-Step, Next Choice, Next Choice One Dose, and Levonorgestrel, the sooner you take them more effective they are. The emergency contraceptive pill ella doesn’t decrease in effectiveness over those 5 days.

Any person can get levonorgestrel-based EC pills at their local pharmacy or clinic without a prescription, regardless of age or gender.

Whatever age or gender you are, you can buy levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception (EC) pills including Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way over-the-counter at the pharmacy without a prescription. Learn more about getting EC.

If you had unprotected sex within the last five days, you might want to use emergency contraception. You can get Plan B One-Step over the counter without a prescription. You can also look into getting a Paragard IUD, the most effective emergency contraceptive option.

If it’s been more than five days, you can get a pregnancy test or go to the doctor to see if you are, in fact, pregnant. You have to wait at least 10 days after unprotected sex for the tests to work, and they are more accurate if you wait to take them until a few days after you expect your next period. If you’re not pregnant, talk to your doctor about preventing future instances of unprotected sex.

In the U.S. the only forms of birth control available over the counter (OTC) are condoms, internal condoms, spermicide, the sponge, and emergency contraception pills. There’s been some debate about whether birth control pills should be sold OTC too as they are in many other countries, but for now you need a prescription.

If you’re looking for a method that requires a prescription, visit your local health clinic or find the nearest one here.

Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, My Way, and ella consist of just one pill that’s to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you’re taking a generic with two pills, research shows you can take both pills at the same time—you don’t have to wait 12 hours after taking the first to take the second.

For more information, check out our section on How To Use emergency contraception.