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. Since the Supreme Court threw abortion rights into question earlier this month, people have been stocking up on emergency contraception. 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.
Emergency Contraception vs. Abortion Pills
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.
Types and Effectiveness of EC
There are 2 types of morning-after pills. Both are more likely to work if you take them ASAP after sex. However, 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.
| Method Type | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Plan B (and generics) | Safe for baby when breastfeeding; available without a prescription. |
| Ella | Requires a prescription; most insurance plans cover Ella without a copay. |
| Copper IUD | The most effective EC; lasts for years as birth control; not impacted by body weight. |
Ella and Birth Control Interactions
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.
Note: If you have an IUD or the arm implant, you don’t need emergency contraception. 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.
Breastfeeding and Accessibility
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. You can get both morning-after pills online. The Nurx medical team can prescribe Ella in advance to have on hand, or when you had unprotected sex and need it right away. Nurx also offers New Day, a generic version of Plan B, without a prescription.
Important Medical Disclaimer: This blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes.