Emergency contraception refers to various methods and medications that can be taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

In this article, we’ve gathered 30 important facts about emergency contraception that you should know.

1. Emergency contraception is not the same as abortion.

Emergency contraception works by preventing the fertilization of the egg and does not terminate an existing pregnancy. It only prevents pregnancy before it occurs, unlike abortion which terminates a pregnancy that has already begun.

2. Timing is crucial.

Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken. Some methods need to be taken within hours of unprotected sex and others within a few days.

3. There are different types of emergency contraception.

The different types of emergency contraception include hormonal pills, copper IUDs, and ulipristal acetate pills. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks.

4. Emergency contraception is not always 100% effective.

While emergency contraception can significantly reduce the risk of becoming pregnant after unprotected sex, it is not a guarantee. The effectiveness of each method depends on various factors including timing and individual health factors.

5. You don’t need a prescription for all types of emergency contraception.

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is available over-the-counter for anyone 17 or older. Other forms of emergency contraception require a prescription from a doctor.

6. It’s okay to take emergency contraception more than once.

While it is not recommended to use emergency contraception as a primary form of birth control, it is safe to use on multiple occasions if necessary.

7. Emergency contraception does not protect against STIs.

Emergency contraception only prevents pregnancy, and does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections. It is important to use condoms or other barrier methods to protect against STIs.

8. Some religious institutions oppose emergency contraception.

Some religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, oppose emergency contraception and consider it a form of abortion.

However, emergency contraception is not considered abortion by medical professionals and is widely used regardless of religious beliefs.

9. You can experience side effects from emergency contraception.

Common side effects of emergency contraception include nausea, headaches, fatigue, and irregular bleeding. These side effects usually subside within a few days after taking the medication.

10. Emergency contraception doesn’t affect future fertility.

Emergency contraception does not affect a woman’s future fertility. Women can still conceive and have children after using emergency contraception.

11. You don’t have to take emergency contraception every day.

Unlike some forms of birth control, emergency contraception is only taken when needed and does not require daily use.

12. It’s important to understand how emergency contraception works.

It’s important to understand how emergency contraception works and how to use it correctly. This can help increase its effectiveness and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

13. Copper IUDs can be used as emergency contraception.

Copper IUDs can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex and can prevent pregnancy by affecting sperm motility and preventing implantation of the egg.

14. Ulipristal acetate pills are more effective than Plan B.

Ulipristal acetate pills, also known as Ella, are more effective at preventing pregnancy than Plan B. They can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex.

15. Emergency contraception is safe for most women.

Emergency contraception is safe for most women to use, although individual health factors may play a role. If you have concerns about using emergency contraception, talk to your doctor.

16. Emergency contraception is not the same as regular birth control.

Emergency contraception is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control, as it is less effective than other methods and can have more side effects.

17. Emergency contraception doesn’t cause abortions.

Emergency contraception does not cause abortions, as it is taken before a pregnancy occurs. It works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg.

18. Emergency contraception is not harmful to a fetus.

Emergency contraception is not harmful to a fetus and will not cause birth defects or harm the development of an existing pregnancy.

19. Emergency contraception is not just for women.

While emergency contraception is most commonly used by women, it is also available for men in the form of emergency contraception pills.

20. Emergency contraception is not a guarantee.

While emergency contraception can be effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy, it is not a guarantee. It is still important to use other forms of contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

21. Emergency contraception can be a helpful backup method.

Emergency contraception can be used as a backup method when regular birth control fails or when a woman forgets to take her birth control pills.

22. Emergency contraception is not just for emergencies.

Emergency contraception can be used preventively in situations where unintended pregnancy is more likely to occur, such as after sexual assault.

23. Emergency contraception does not affect sex drive.

Emergency contraception does not affect a person’s sex drive or libido, and there is no evidence to suggest that it causes long-term negative effects on sexual health.

24. Emergency contraception is not a form of abortion.

Emergency contraception is not a form of abortion and does not terminate an existing pregnancy. It is a form of birth control that prevents pregnancy from occurring.

25. Emergency contraception can be obtained confidentially.

Emergency contraception can be obtained confidentially from a variety of sources, including Planned Parenthood, health clinics, and some pharmacies.

26. Emergency contraception is not just for teenagers.

While emergency contraception is often associated with teenagers or young adults, it can be used by women of all ages who have had unprotected sex.

27. Emergency contraception is not a substitute for regular checkups.

While emergency contraception can be an effective form of birth control, it is not a substitute for regular checkups and reproductive health care. Women should still have regular gynecological exams and screenings for STIs.

28. Emergency contraception is not the same as the abortion pill.

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, is a different type of medication used to terminate an existing pregnancy. It is not the same as emergency contraception.

29. Emergency contraception is not a form of birth control.

While emergency contraception can be used preventively, it is not intended to be used as a primary form of birth control. It is less effective and can have more side effects than other methods of birth control.

30. Emergency contraception is widely available.

Emergency contraception is widely available in many countries and can be obtained from a variety of sources including health clinics, pharmacies, and online retailers.