Emergency contraception (EC) provides a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom or missed birth control pills. At A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL, we are committed to providing accurate information about the available EC options so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Types of Emergency Contraception
There are three primary forms of emergency contraception, each with different levels of effectiveness and accessibility:
- Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step and Generics)
- This is the most widely known emergency contraceptive pill.
- It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that prevents ovulation.
- It is most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex.
- While available over the counter without a prescription, its effectiveness decreases over time, especially for individuals with a higher body weight (BMI over 25).
- Ulipristal Acetate (Ella)
- Ella is a prescription-only emergency contraceptive that contains ulipristal acetate, which prevents ovulation.
- It remains effective for up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, making it a better option for those who need EC later in the window.
- Unlike Plan B, Ella is more effective for individuals closer to ovulation and may be a better choice for those with a higher BMI.
- It is not available over the counter, so advanced planning may be necessary.
- Copper IUD (Paragard)
- The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
- It works by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg and altering the uterine environment to make pregnancy unlikely.
- If inserted within five days of unprotected sex, it has a success rate of over 99%.
- This option also provides long-term contraception, lasting up to 10 years.
- A healthcare provider must insert the IUD, making it less accessible for immediate use than EC pills.
Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception
- Plan B: Reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% when taken promptly, but its effectiveness declines the longer you wait.
- Ella: More effective than Plan B, especially for those closer to ovulation, and maintains high efficacy throughout the five-day window.
- Copper IUD: The most reliable option, preventing over 99% of pregnancies when inserted within five days.
Availability and Considerations
- Plan B is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and drugstores.
- Ella requires a prescription, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Copper IUDs require insertion by a doctor or healthcare provider, making them the least accessible option for immediate use.
If you need guidance on emergency contraception, contact A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL for expert advice and care:
https://www.awpnaples.com/contact/
Further Reading
Planned Parenthood – Emergency Contraception
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) provides a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom or missed birth control pills. At A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL, we are committed to providing accurate information about the available EC options so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Types of Emergency Contraception
There are three primary forms of emergency contraception, each with different levels of effectiveness and accessibility:
- Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step and Generics)
- This is the most widely known emergency contraceptive pill.
- It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that prevents ovulation.
- It is most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex.
- While available over the counter without a prescription, its effectiveness decreases over time, especially for individuals with a higher body weight (BMI over 25).
- Ulipristal Acetate (Ella)
- Ella is a prescription-only emergency contraceptive that contains ulipristal acetate, which prevents ovulation.
- It remains effective for up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, making it a better option for those who need EC later in the window.
- Unlike Plan B, Ella is more effective for individuals closer to ovulation and may be a better choice for those with a higher BMI.
- It is not available over the counter, so advanced planning may be necessary.
- Copper IUD (Paragard)
- The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
- It works by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg and altering the uterine environment to make pregnancy unlikely.
- If inserted within five days of unprotected sex, it has a success rate of over 99%.
- This option also provides long-term contraception, lasting up to 10 years.
- A healthcare provider must insert the IUD, making it less accessible for immediate use than EC pills.
Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception
- Plan B: Reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% when taken promptly, but its effectiveness declines the longer you wait.
- Ella: More effective than Plan B, especially for those closer to ovulation, and maintains high efficacy throughout the five-day window.
- Copper IUD: The most reliable option, preventing over 99% of pregnancies when inserted within five days.
Availability and Considerations
- Plan B is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and drugstores.
- Ella requires a prescription, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Copper IUDs require insertion by a doctor or healthcare provider, making them the least accessible option for immediate use.
If you need guidance on emergency contraception, contact A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL for expert advice and care:
https://www.awpnaples.com/contact/
Further Reading
Planned Parenthood – Emergency Contraception
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception
