Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Taking action
• Part 2 of 2: Taking emergency contraceptives
• Tips

While you won't automatically get pregnant by having sex, you can get pregnant just by having unsafe sex once. A condom that breaks during sex poses a high risk of getting pregnant and contracting STIs. The risk of pregnancy also varies depending on where you are in your monthly menstrual cycle, as certain days (such as in the middle of your cycle) carry a higher risk than others. Whether you had unsafe sex or if the condom broke, you may still be able to prevent pregnancy.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Taking action

1. See a pharmacist or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Time is of the essence to prevent an unwanted pregnancy after unsafe sex.
   • Efficacy is highest in the first 24 hours after sex, but an emergency contraceptive can work for up to 5 days afterwards.
2. Do not rinse. Not only is flushing ineffective in preventing pregnancy, but it is generally not recommended by doctors.
   • Flushing changes the normal bacteria and fungi in your reproductive organs, increasing the risk of infections.
3. Get tested. If you have had unsafe sex, you not only run the risk of being pregnant but also of a sexually transmitted disease. See a doctor and get tested for both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
   • It usually takes two to six months between HIV tests to get a reliable result.
4. Get Plan B. Plan B is a hormone-based emergency contraceptive pill available in the US and Canada. It prevents ovulation and fertilization if taken within 72 hours of unsafe sex.
   • The hormone in Plan B is called progestin.
   • Plan B is available over the counter at most pharmacies or from a medical provider. You don't need a prescription for Plan B, and it's not refundable by most health insurance plans.
5. Ask your doctor about Ella. Ella is a synthetic pill (made from ulipristal acetate) that works like Plan B, but can be effective for up to 5 days after sex. Hence, it will likely be a bit more efficient than Plan B at preventing pregnancy.
   • Ella requires a prescription from a doctor.
   • Ella reduces the risk of pregnancy after unsafe sex by about 75%.
   • There is currently no evidence that Ella causes abortions. The “abortion pill” (RU-486 or mifepristone) is only available with a prescription. Although both drugs react with progesterone, they act differently. The dose in Ella is not high enough to induce an abortion.
6. Use the specific name when asking about a pill. Do not assume that the pharmacist or medical care provider knows exactly what you are asking.
   • If the expert helping you only hears the word “contraception”, he or she may think you want the normal pill. Be specific to make sure you get what you need.
7. Instead, opt for regular birth control pills. Certain combination birth control pills also help prevent pregnancy after unsafe sex. You can find the full list on Princeton's Emergency Contraception website here.
   • Make sure to choose a regular oral contraceptive with proven effectiveness to prevent pregnancy. If in doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
   • With the correct dosage, oral contraceptives reduce the risk of pregnancy after unsafe sex by 75%. However, this depends on the type of oral contraceptive you have.
8. Consider an IUD. An IUD is a very effective emergency contraceptive that reduces the risk of pregnancy by 95% if it is applied within 5 days of unsafe sex. However, many doctors don't stock IUDs, which means it can be difficult to find one in time to use as an emergency contraceptive.
   • An IUD works by increasing the amount of cervical mucus and repelling sperm. Side effects can include cramps and bleeding between periods.
   • Hormone-based IUDs (such as Mirena) do not work as an emergency contraceptive, but they are a great choice for preventive contraception.
   • The IUD can be easily inserted by a medical provider. You don't have to go to the hospital for it.
   • Having an IUD fitted gives you the added benefit of having an efficient method of contraception that will remain effective for 10 years if left in place. However, an IUD can be expensive, so it may not be your first choice.

Part 2 of 2: Taking emergency contraceptives

1. Follow the guidelines carefully. Whether you are taking Plan B, Ella, or a dose of a regular oral contraceptive, there are sure to be some suggestions you can follow for optimal effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
2. Take Plan B according to the guidelines. Plan B is two pills (together equal to one dose) that you take together as soon as possible.
   • You only need to take one dose. Do not take more than the suggested dose or other birth control pills on top of it.
   • The sooner you take Plan B after unsafe sex, the more effective it will be to prevent pregnancy. Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy after unsafe sex by 95% if taken within 24 hours.
3. Take Ella as directed. Ella is only available on prescription but in terms of use it is similar to Plan B. You only need to take one dose, which with Ella is the same as one pill.
   • You only need to take one pill. Do not take more than the suggested dose or other birth control pills on top of it.
4. Take a combination of birth control pills as recommended. The doses depend on the type of pills you are taking.
   • For example, if you have Levora oral contraceptive pills, you will need to take 4 pills with each dose, but if you have Aviane you will need to take 5 pills with each dose. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure about the dose.
   • Take your first dose within 5 days of unsafe sex and then a second dose 12 hours after the first dose. To use regular oral contraceptives as an emergency contraceptive, you usually need to take two doses.
   • Do not forget your second dose or you will significantly reduce your chances of preventing pregnancy.
5. Expect side effects. Regardless of the type of pill you take, you can expect certain side effects, so be prepared.
   • Emergency contraceptive pills can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist what to expect.
6. Take something for nausea. If you take a pill for nausea, if one is available, you will be much less likely to vomit as a side effect of the emergency contraceptive.
   • By taking an anti-nausea medicine one to two hours beforehand, you may be able to avoid vomiting after taking the emergency contraceptive.
   • If you vomit within the hour of taking an emergency contraceptive, you should call a healthcare provider to see if you need to take another dose.
7. Keep it safe and take it easy. Do not drink alcohol or drive within 24 hours of taking pills.
   • You may also feel dizzy, especially if you have also taken something for nausea.

Tips

• Ella can help prevent the implementation of a fertilized egg. If your religious beliefs mean that life begins with conception, then Ella is probably not an acceptable option for you.
• If you are in the United States and need Plan B, check here to find out if you must be 18 and present your ID to purchase these pills.
• Plan B and Ella are not the same as the abortion pill, which terminates a pregnancy in the first trimester. Plan B and Ella prevent you from getting pregnant. The abortion pill is for when you are already pregnant.
• Neither Plan B nor Ella are intended to be used as normal oral contraceptives.
• Make sure you know how to use a condom correctly. Cracks can easily be prevented. If you've already had to seek out an emergency contraceptive because of a ruptured condom, consider using an extra form of birth control, such as the pill or an IUD, to avoid getting pregnant in the future.