Your Care Instructions

Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy. This is also called the morning-after pill. You can use it if you have unprotected sex or if you think your birth control method has failed. For example, it can be used after:

• A condom breaks.
• You forgot to use your normal method of birth control.
• Sexual assault (rape).

When you get your medicine, use it right away. You may use this method up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. The sooner you start the pills, the more likely they are to prevent pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, the pills won't harm the fetus.

Emergency contraception pills do not work as well as other types of birth control. If it is important to you to prevent pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about a regular method of birth control that will work for you.

You can get emergency contraception without a prescription at most drugstores and sexual health clinics.

This information focuses on using progestin-only pills that are packaged specially for use as emergency contraception. These are often called "morning-after pills." There are other methods of emergency contraception. But they are not covered in this information.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• You can use emergency contraception pills up to 5 days after unprotected sex. But they work best if you take them right away or within 48 hours.
• Follow the directions on the package.
• If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pills, call your healthcare provider or nurse advice line for advice. You may need to repeat the dose.
• If you continue to be sexually active, make sure you use a reliable and effective birth control method regularly. Also make sure you use latex condoms every time you have sex. Use them from the start to the end of sexual contact. Use a female condom if your partner doesn't have or won't use a condom.
• If your next period does not start within 3 weeks after you use emergency contraceptive pills, call your healthcare provider or nurse advice line for a pregnancy test. Or you can take a home pregnancy test.
• You should never feel pressured to have sex. It's okay to say "no" anytime you want to stop.
• It's important to feel safe with your sex partner and with the activities you do together. If you don't feel safe, talk with an adult you trust.