Types of Emergency Contraception

There are two types of emergency contraception available to women in the United States: emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and intrauterine devices (IUDs). In most states, you need to see a health care provider to get either type of emergency contraception. The health care provider may take your medical history and do a urine pregnancy test, and will talk with you about which type of emergency contraception is best for you. You should never take ECPs that belong to another family member or friend. It is very important to first talk with a health care provider.

ECPs are sometimes wrongly called the "morning after pill." This is wrong because ECPs are never taken as one pill, the "morning after." They are taken in two doses, 12 hours apart. They work best if taken within 72 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse. ECPs contain higher doses of hormones than those contained in birth control pills. ECPs can have only one hormone, progestin, or can have two hormones, estrogen and progestin. If a woman can't take estrogen or is breastfeeding, she can use progestin-only ECPs. If you need ECPs, your health care provider will prescribe the best pill for you to use.

The other type of emergency contraception is an intrauterine device (IUD). A woman can have the Copper-T IUD, which is shaped like a "T," and placed inside her uterus (or womb) by a health care provider. This must be done within seven days after unprotected vaginal intercourse. The IUD can be taken out by a health care provider after the woman's next period. It also can be left in place for up to 10 years if the woman decides to use it as her regular method of birth control.