Emergency Contraceptives: When Plan A Fails You’ve probably heard of Plan B before. Plan B is a particular brand of emergency contraceptive (EC), but did you know there are many options available to you? ECs are a birth control method used to prevent or delay the release of an egg from the ovaries and prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg, depending on the type of EC you use. These types of contraceptives are offered in a pill form and as a copper intrauterine device (IUD). There are both brand and generic pills available, and they are equally effective. You’ve likely heard of EC pills called the ‘morning after pill,’ as well. ECs are a short-term way to prevent pregnancy and should not be used as long-term birth control, unless using the copper IUD. Impact on Mission Readiness As a Warfighter, preventing unplanned pregnancy is paramount to mission readiness. Abstaining from sex is the only guaranteed way you or your sexual partner won’t get pregnant, and the correct and consistent use of birth control reduces your risk of unplanned pregnancies. When Plan A fails, there’s emergency contraception available so you can stay operationally ready. Using Emergency Contraception With various pills and an IUD available for emergency contraception, there are different ways to properly use this birth control method. When to Use It: There are many reasons you may need an EC. If one or more of these occur, consider a method that works for you. When a condom breaks, or a diaphragm slips out of place When you forget to take at least two birth control pills in a row, especially in the middle of your cycle when you’re more likely to be ovulating When you have sex and do not use any birth control or it is not used correctly After a sexual assault or rape Timing is extremely important when taking an EC. Most pills are suggested to be taken within 72 hours and some up to 120 hours, though the closer to when you had unprotected sex or your birth control method failed, the more effective. A copper IUD insertion is recommended within 5 days of unprotected sex. How To Use It If you are taking the pill, it may be one dose or it may be two doses with a set number of hours in between, such as 12 hours. If you choose an EC pill that comes in a two-pack, be mindful to take the second dose as prescribed. Setting an alarm on your phone or watch may be a helpful reminder. If you choose to get a copper IUD, call your health care provider as soon as possible to set an appointment. Make sure to tell them you are requesting this method for emergency contraception versus regular birth control. Copper IUDs last between 10-12 years depending on the brand and model. The copper IUD is the most effective form of EC. Where To Get It Some EC pills are available over the counter, or without a prescription. You can typically find name brand EC pills at pharmacies and grocery stores. Gas stations and convenience stores may also sell ECs. In addition to physical locations, you can get over the counter generic ECs online. Other EC pills need a prescription from your health care provider. Generic options are usually a fraction of the cost of name brand ECs. What Are My Emergency Contraceptive Pill Options? There are many pills on the market that can be used for emergency contraception. Some are name brand and others are generic. Some are single dose and others are double dose. Some are over the counter and some are prescription-only. Consider which factors are most important to you when selecting an EC pill/method. Most pills are over 95% effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. Check out some options below: Levonorgestrel Pills Ulipristal Acetate Pills Combined Birth Control Pills Levonorgestrel (Progestin-only) Pills (available over the counter) Plan B One-Step Considered 81-90% effective at reducing the risk of pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. This EC option may be less effective if you weigh more than 155 pounds, though there is no weight limit. Name brand Single dose AfterPill Considered 75-89% effective. This EC option may be less effective if you weigh less than 155 pounds, though there is no weight limit. Generic Single dose My Way Considered about 84% effective. This EC option may be less effective if you weigh less than 155 pounds, though there is no weight limit. Generic Single dose Next Choice One Dose Considered 81-90% effective. This EC option may be less effective if you weigh less than 155 pounds, though there is no weight limit. Generic Single or double dose Take Action Considered 75-89% effective. This EC option may be less effective if you weigh less than 155 pounds, though there is no weight limit. Generic Single dose Similar options include Preventeza, Aftera and Option 2. Ulipristal Acetate Pills (only available with a prescription) Ella This is a ulipristal acetate pill, which prevents ovulation, that’s considered 85% effective when taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. If you weigh more than 165 pounds, it is recommended to consider a ulipristal acetate pill. Name brand Single dose Combined Birth Control Pills (only available with a prescription) This method of EC involves taking birth control that contains the hormones progestin and estrogen. It’s often two doses. Yuzpe regimen In general, 2-5 of your daily birth control pills taken at the same time can have similar protection as ECs. Talk to your health care provider about the correct dosage if you intend to use your daily birth control pills as an EC. Name brand or generic Single dose Prescription is needed Common Side Effects Just like any medication, EC pills come with side effects. When taking EC pills you may experience: Changes to your normal menstrual cycles Light vaginal bleeding Nausea and vomiting Breast tenderness Headaches and dizziness Abdominal pain and cramping Preventing unplanned pregnancy is essential as a Warfighter. Explore your birth control options if you haven’t already in order to stay mission ready. If your birth control fails or unprotected sex does occur, choose an emergency contraceptive that works best for you to keep you in the fight! Additional ResourcesNavy Medicine Female Force Readiness Clinical Community - “Understanding Emergency Contraception”ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “Emergency Contraception”Cleveland Clinic - “Morning-After Pill”MedlinePlus - “Emergency Contraception”
