G-Spot: Emergency contraception
Accidents happen—you forget to take your birth control, a condom breaks, or you forgo using one entirely; however, this does not mean there are no options in stopping an unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraception is a safe way to avoid getting pregnant after having unprotected sex, and can work up to three to five days after having sex.
There are two main options when it comes to emergency contraception, the first being getting a copper IUD inserted into the vagina. Getting a copper IUD is a great option for those who are also looking for a long-time birth control and works just as well if you get it inserted on the fifth day of your period than if you get it inserted on the first. Obtaining a doctor's appointment for an IUD within the five-day period might be difficult for some, and if this is the case for you, you should opt for the second method of emergency contraception: an emergency contraception pill.
Getting a copper IUD is regarded as being wildly safe, though some people experience side effects within three to six months after insertion. There can also be mild to moderate pain during insertion, as well as cramping in the weeks after. An IUD can also affect the heaviness of a person’s menstrual cycle, making periods either heavier or lighter. The cost of an IUD fluctuates, depending on insurance.
There are two kinds of emergency contraception pills, ella and Plan B. The first kind, ella, is a prescription morning after pill, and is the most effective contraceptive pill available. Like an IUD, taking ella on the fifth day works just as well as taking it on the first; however, it is still important to take ella as soon as possible if you think you could be pregnant.
It is also important to know that “ella works better than other morning-after pills for people who weigh more than 165 pounds. But if you weigh 195 pounds or more, ella may not work as well for you”. Planned Parenthood has an EC quiz, which can help you figure out which emergency contraception is best for you. To take ella, you need to obtain a prescription, which you can do at Planned Parenthood Health Center, online with Nurx or PRJKT RUBY, or your regular physician. The cost of ella is usually around $50.
There are no major side effects reported after taking ella, but you might experience a different period than you are used to in the weeks following. Take a pregnancy test if you do not get your period three weeks after taking ella.
The other type of emergency contraception pill is levonorgestrel, such as Plan B One Step (Plan B) or other generic pills like it. Plan B can work up to five days after unprotected sex, but the pill has a higher chance of working on the first day, and should be taken as early in the five-day period as possible.
Anyone can buy Plan B regardless of gender or age, and it does not require a prescription. It is available at most pharmacies, including in stores like Wegmans. The pill can cost anywhere from $11 to $50, depending on the brand you buy. Side effects after taking Plan B are uncommon, and like with taking ella, you might experience irregularity in your next period. You should also check with this list to see if the medication you take affects how well Plan B works.
It is a good idea to have a morning after pill handy in case an accident happens, especially since taking the pill as soon as possible ensures that it will work the best. As always, if you have any questions after reading this article, the Planned Parenthood website is a great resource. If you’re looking for a long-term birth control, check out our article on what contraceptive method would be best for you.