Types of Emergency Contraception
Types of Emergency Contraception
What’s the best choice for me?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the EC method that is right for you. Here is information that might help you make the choice that’s right for you.
MY OPTIONS
Want to compare your options? Use this handy chart (PDF).
Progestin EC pills (Plan B® and others)
These EC pills work best when taken as soon as possible but may work up to 5 days after sex. They are available in most pharmacies without a prescription.
There are several products: Plan B®, Next Choice®, Option 2® and Norlevo®. They all contain the same medication, a progestin hormone that is also contained in some birth control pills.
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How well do they work?
They work well: reduce the risk of pregnancy by about 75%.
- Most effective when taken as soon as possible
- Work best up to 3 days after sex
- May have some effect up to 5 days
- May not work as well for people weighing over 75 kg (165 lb) and especially those weighing over 80 kg (176 lb)
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How do they work?
They interfere/delay ovulation (release of an egg) so that it isn’t fertilized. They:
- Do NOT provide ongoing protection from pregnancy
- Should NOT be used together with ella® (see below)
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Are they safe?
Yes, almost anyone can use progestin EC Pills unless they have an allergy to them, which is very rare.
- Should not be used if you know you are pregnant (they won’t work)
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What about side effects?
They may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness or irregular bleeding.
- Your next period may come a bit early or late
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How do I get them?
They are easy to find.
- Buy them in a pharmacy either (on the shelf or ask a pharmacist)
- Sexual health clinics
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What is the cost?
$30-40 in a pharmacy.
- Cheaper at some sexual health clinics
Want to compare your options? Download this chart.
ella® (pill)
This EC pill is new to Canada and like Plan B® works best the sooner it is taken. If it’s been more than three days after sex, it is more effective than Plan B. It needs a prescription from a doctor/nurse practitioner.
ella® is the brand name of a new EC product that contains a hormone called ulipristal acetate.
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How well does it work?
Very well: it reduces the risk of pregnancy by about 85%.
- Works up to 5 days after sex
- Most effective when taken as soon as possible
- May work less well for people with BMI (body mass index) over 35 (find out your BMI)
- It is more effective than Progestin pills like Plan B® especially if:
- It has been more than 3 days after sex
- You weigh over 75 kg (165 lb)
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How does it work?
It interferes/delays ovulation (release of an egg) so that it isn't fertilized.
- Does NOT provide ongoing protection from pregnancy
- Should NOT be used together with Progestin EC pills or with birth control pills, rings, patches or injections because they interfere with each other. Ask a health care provider for advice if this is you. (AIDS & Sexual Health Info Line)
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Is it safe?
Yes, almost anyone can use it unless they have an allergy to it, which is very rare.
- ella® should not be used if you know you are pregnant or are breastfeeding
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What about side effects?
It may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness or irregular bleeding. These symptoms don’t last long
- Your next period may come a bit early or late
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How do I get it?
You need a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner to get it from a pharmacy. Not all pharmacies keep it in stock so call ahead. (Find a Clinic)
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What is the cost?
About $40.
Want to compare your options? Download this chart.
Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
This is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. It is the most effective method of EC and can be used up to 7 days after sex. It’s also great for regular birth control. It requires a visit to a doctor/nurse practitioner for insertion.
This is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy.
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How well does it work?
Extremely well: it reduces the risk of pregnancy by more than 99%
- Can be inserted up to 7 days after sex
- Highly effective regardless of weight
- Provides highly effective ongoing birth control for 5+ years
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How does it work?
It interferes with the sperm and egg to prevent a pregnancy.
- Can be removed after the next period, or left in place for ongoing birth control
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Is it safe?
Yes, and most people can use it. However women who are pregnant or currently have pelvic inflammatory disease (infection) should NOT have an IUD inserted.
- Small risk of problems with insertion.
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What about side effects?
Some common effects are:
- Pain during insertion
- Some increase in bleeding/cramping with periods
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How to get it?
Some sexual health clinics and doctors insert emergency IUDs
- Some doctors/clinics who insert IUDs sell directly to patients
- You can buy in a pharmacy usually with a prescription
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What is the cost?
Varies depending on the type of IUD (about $70-80 at a pharmacy)
- Cheaper in some sexual health clinics
Want to compare your options? Download this chart.
