Emergency Contraception

This contraception is used after unprotected intercourse and should not be considered a routine form of contraception. There are two forms of emergency contraception:

• Plan B: These pills contain the progestin levonorgestrel, found in many progestin-only birth control pills. You take the first dose as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, preferably within 72 hours after, and a second dose within 12 hours. Plan B is available without a prescription, but you should call your pharmacy first or visit http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/Index.aspx to find a pharmacy near you that carries it.

• IUD: A health care provider can insert an IUD up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. This should prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in 98 percent of women who have been pregnant in the past and 92 percent of women who have never been pregnant.

This content was produced with the support of an educational grant from Conceptus, Inc.

Create Date: 5/7/07
Date Last Updated: 5/7/07