Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC), sometimes called “the morning-after pill” or “Plan B,” can stop a pregnancy before it starts. It is a medication taken after sex to reduce the chance of pregnancy. Some people may take EC if a condom broke or slipped off during sex, a birth control pill was missed, or no birth control method was used. Emergency contraception is most effective if taken as soon as possible but can be used up to three days (or 72 hours) after unprotected sex.

Emergency contraception (EContra One-Step) is available at UHS Primary Care at a reduced cost and does not require a prescription. No appointment is needed. You may simply request EC at the check-in window. The cost is $15.00 and can be paid with cash or a credit card. You will need to provide your name and date of birth. Outside of UHS hours, emergency contraception can be obtained at any pharmacy, without a prescription, by asking the pharmacist at the back of the store. These medications cost around $50 at most pharmacies, but the price can be reduced to around $11 with a coupon from GoodRx.

EContra One-Step, Plan B, and other emergency contraceptive pills available without a prescription are most effective for people under 165 lb (75 kg). Some evidence shows that they are safe to use but may be less effective in people who weigh more than 165 lb. If this is a concern, you may consider seeing a UHS provider to discuss other emergency contraceptive options. One of them is Ella, an emergency contraceptive pill that is most effective for people weighing up to 195 lb (88 kg) but can be prescribed in people above this weight, or consider a copper IUD, which does not have an associated weight limit but must be placed within five days of condomless sex.

Taking EC should not be considered a regular form of birth control. If you have difficulty remembering to take your birth control pill or often get swept up at the moment, consider having a conversation with your primary care provider about other birth control options, like the patch, ring, shot, Nexplanon, or an IUD.