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Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is now available without prescription if you are 17 years or older. See How can I get EC?

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What is emergency contraception (EC)?   EC, also called the "morning after pill", helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or the failure of a regular method of birth control. It is most effective the sooner it is taken (most effective within the first 12-24 hours), but research has shown it may still be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

EC contains a hormone commonly found in ordinary birth control pills but in a higher dose.

You might consider taking EC if:

  • You didn't use a condom or other reliable method of birth control
  • The condom broke or slipped off
  • You had sex and missed two or more birth control pills this cycle
  • You were sexually assaulted and currently not using a reliable method of contraception (see the UM Sexual Assault Survivor website for resources and information)

How can I get EC?  Most pharmacies, including the UHS Pharmacy, carry EC.

If you are 17 or older, you can buy Plan B One-Step over-the-counter (without prescription). It can be purchased by both males and females. Proof of age is required (you need to show a government-issued ID, e.g. passport, driver's license; UM ID will not be accepted). There is no limit to the quantity that can be purchased at one time.

If you are under age 17, EC requires a prescription. If your concern is urgent, walk in during UHS open hours for an EC prescription. You can also get EC in advance (you don't have to wait for an emergency to get it).

Cost for over-the-counter EC is $40 (subject to change). If a clinic visit is needed, clinic visits are free for currently enrolled UM students. Others visit UHS on a fee-for-service basis or through billable insurance.

How does EC work?  The high levels of hormones found in EC stop or delay ovulation. The pills may also interfere with fertilization of the egg, transport of the embryo, and implantation in the uterus.

EC is not RU-486 (the abortion pill) and does not cause an abortion. If you are already pregnant, EC will not work, and you will remain pregnant. There are no known birth defects caused by EC if it is accidentally taken during pregnancy.

EC is intended for emergencies. Plan to use a reliable, routine method of contraception. EC does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

How effective is EC?  If taken as prescribed, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by at least 75% and up to 89%. The sooner EC is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is.

Possible reasons for EC failure are:

  • Ovulation has occured
  • Too much time elapsed between unprotected sex and your use of EC
  • You are already pregnant

Side effects of EC are rare. They may include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes.

You should not take EC if:

  • You are pregnant, because it won't work
  • You are allergic to levonorgestrel (hormone) or any other EC ingredients

How to take EC:

The sooner EC is taken, the more effective it is, so take EC as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Follow package directions. Eat a snack or drink a glass of milk to reduce nausea.

For Plan B One-Step, just one dose is required.

For other forms of EC, two doses are required. Take the first dose as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of sex, and the second dose 12 hours later. Alternatively, studies indicate that you can take both pills at the time of the first dose.

You should have a menstrual period within three weeks of taking EC. If you do not have your period within three weeks, you should have a pregnancy test. UHS provides Pregnancy Tests.

Begin using a regular method of contraception as soon as possible. Also, remember to protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections by using a condom each time you have sex.

Resources on EC:

Related resources from UHS: