Emergency Contraception ("Morning After Pill")

What is emergency contraception and how does it work?

What happens during an emergency contraception visit?

How much does the emergency contraception visit cost?

What are the side effects of taking emergency contraception?

Where can I get emergency contraception?

Should I get emergency contraception before I need it?

Will my pharmacist fill my emergency contraception prescription?

Related Links

Planned Parenthood of North East Pennsylvania provides emergency contraception.

What is emergency contraception & how does it work?

The condom broke

You forgot a pill

You were raped

• If you had unprotected sex and think you might become pregnant, start emergency contraception right away. Emergency contraception (EC) is designed to prevent pregnancy AFTER unprotected sex.  EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy up to 120 hours after unprotected vaginal intercourse. They work best when taken within 72 hours - during this time they can reduce the risk of pregnancy from 75 to 89 percent.

• Emergency contraception works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. It does NOT cause abortion. It prevents the pregnancy BEFORE it begins.

• Emergency contraception is a specific number of pills taken in a particular sequence, as directed by your health care provider.

What happens during a visit to get emergency contraceptive pills?

• First, don’t delay. Call your nearest Planned Parenthood center at 1-800-230-PLAN and tell them you had unprotected sex. The person who answers the phone will make sure you get in to pick up your emergency contraceptive pills as soon as possible.

• When you arrive at the health center, you will sign a consent form.

• Next, you will have a counseling session. The counselor will explain what emergency contraception is, how it works, and any possible side affects. She will also answer any questions you may have.

• You may take a pregnancy test while you are at the center. If not, you will be urged to take the pregnancy test at home to make sure you are not already pregnant.

• You will receive your pills, pay the fee and go home.

How much does emergency contraception cost?

• At Planned Parenthood of North East Pennsylvania, the emergency contraception visit costs less than $60 (teen and low-income rate available). That includes the counseling, the pregnancy test, and the pills.

What are the common side effects of taking emergency contraception?

By far, the most common side effect is feeling nauseous, or sick to your stomach. During your counseling session, your counselor will explain any other side effects, as well as what to do if you throw up your pills.

Where can I get emergency contraceptive pills?

Planned Parenthood of North East Pennsylvania dispenses emergency contraceptive pills.

For a list of other health care providers that carry emergency contraceptives, call the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 888-NOT-2-LATE or visit the Emergency Contraception Webpage for a list of providers.

Should I get emergency contraception before I need it?

Having emergency contraception on hand in case of an emergency is an excellent idea. The sooner you begin taking the pills, the better your chances of preventing pregnancy.

You can purchase an emergency contraceptive kit called Preven or Plan B from your local Planned Parenthood. 

Will my pharmacist fill my emergency contraception prescription?

Not all pharmacies carry emergency contraception, so it is better to call before you go.

Unfortunately, there have also been cases where pharmacists refuse to fill emergency contraception prescriptions. Most of these cases are based on the misconception that emergency contraception is a form of abortion.

Ask your local pharmacist if he or she provides emergency contraception BEFORE you need it. If your pharmacist does not, switch pharmacies and be sure to tell them why.

Related Links

Emergency Contraception Webpage