6 Morning-After Pill Facts: Understanding Emergency Contraception

Everyone's talking about emergency contraception right now, but we need to separate truth from rumor about this pregnancy prevention tool. We’re fans of planning ahead and having a morning-after pill in your bedside table just in case (most brands will last for a few years before expiration), but want to be sure that everyone who has these pills understands how they work. Here is what you need to know about preventing pregnancy when Plan A is no longer an option:

1. Emergency contraception is not an abortion pill

Louder for the people in the back: The morning-after pill cannot stop a pregnancy. These pills work by stopping or delaying ovulation, so no egg is released from the ovaries and you can’t get pregnant. The abortion pill (sometimes two pills, containing mifepristone and misoprostol) ends an established pregnancy if taken within the first 11 weeks. One more time: Morning-after pills and medication abortion are different medications that do different things.

2. There are 2 types of morning-after pills

There are 2 types of morning-after pills, and it’s important that you understand the difference. Both are more likely to work if you take them ASAP after sex. Note: If you have an IUD or the arm implant, you don’t need emergency contraception. However, if you are concerned that your IUD or implant might be expired, take Plan B (or a generic) instead of Ella so that any remaining hormone from your birth control won’t cancel.

3. Ella and birth control can cancel each other out

If you use hormonal birth control (pill, patch, ring or shot) do not take it for 5 days after taking Ella. Ella works by blocking progesterone hormone receptors, while birth control increases progesterone levels – so the two medications may counteract each other. It’s fine to take Ella if you missed your regular birth control and then had sex, but wait 5 days before restarting your birth control, and use condoms until you have been on your regular birth control for 7 days.

4. The most effective EC isn’t a pill

The most effective EC isn’t a pill. If you have a copper IUD inserted by a medical provider within 5 days of unprotected sex, it will double as emergency contraception and birth control that lasts for years. This method isn’t impacted by body weight either.

5. Plan B is better when breastfeeding

Plan B is better when breastfeeding. Ella can be used if you discard your breast milk for 24 hours after taking Ella (or consult with your medical provider), but Plan B and its generics are safe for baby.

6. You can get morning-after pills online

You can get both morning-after pills online. The medical team can prescribe Ella in advance to have on hand, or when you had unprotected sex and need it right away. If it’s a rush we can send it overnight, or have the prescription sent to your local pharmacy for pick-up. If you request it in advance shipping to your door is free. Nurx also offers New Day, a generic version of Plan B, without a prescription.

The following table provides a comparison of these emergency contraception options based on the material provided: