Emergency contraception from Nurx costs as little as $0 with insurance or $45 per pill without insurance.
You could. The morning-after pill only protects against pregnancy from sex that happened before you took the pill. It does not provide protection if you have unprotected sex afterward. If that happens, you may need to take another dose of emergency contraception.
- Timing: Taking it within 24 hours is up to 94% effective.
- Body weight: Plan B may be less effective if you weigh over 165–175 lbs.
- Type of pill: Ella is more effective than Plan B later in the 5-day window.
- Ovulation timing: Less effective if ovulation has already started.
- Drug interactions: Some medications (like certain seizure medications) can reduce effectiveness.
- If you had unprotected sex again after taking it.
- If you vomited within 2 hours of taking the pill.
- If your period is more than 7 days late.
- If it’s unusually light or heavy.
- If you have symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue.
- At least 3 weeks after the episode of unprotected sex.
What is the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is a type of emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or a birth control failure. It contains either Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step® and generics) or ulipristal acetate (ella®). These hormones work by delaying or preventing ovulation.
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraception mainly prevents or delays ovulation, so no egg is available for sperm to fertilize. If ovulation has already occurred, it may also make the uterine lining less receptive to implantation. It’s most effective when taken as soon as possible — within 72 hours for Plan B® and up to 120 hours for Ella®.
How long does the morning-after pill protect you?
The morning-after pill only protects against pregnancy from sex that occurred before you took it. It provides no protection against pregnancy from sexual encounters that happen after taking the pill. Once you take emergency contraception, it works for that specific incident only.
What affects its effectiveness?
Several factors can impact how well emergency contraception works:
Can you have sex after taking the morning-after pill?
Yes, you can have sex after taking the morning-after pill, but you’ll need another form of protection. The pill does not protect against pregnancy from sex that happens after you take it. Condoms or starting regular birth control are better options for ongoing protection.
Can sperm survive the morning-after pill?
Yes, sperm can survive after you take the morning-after pill. The pill doesn’t kill sperm. Sperm can live in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days, which is why emergency contraception is effective if it prevents ovulation during that time.
What if you had unprotected sex after the pill?
If you had unprotected sex after taking emergency contraception, you may need to take another dose. The original pill you took will not protect against this new sexual activity.
This is a good time to think about starting or adjusting a regular birth control method to prevent future risk. Options like the pill, patch, ring, IUD, or implant provide ongoing protection without having to rely on emergency contraception each time.
A healthcare provider can help you choose the method that fits your lifestyle and answer any questions about safety, timing, or effectiveness.
When to retake emergency contraception?
You may need to take emergency contraception again:
When to take a pregnancy test?
Take a pregnancy test:
Your next steps after having unprotected sex
If you had unprotected sex again after taking emergency contraception, you will need another dose of emergency contraception. For ongoing protection, consider switching to a regular birth control method.
With Nurx, you can consult with medical practitioners online and have your prescription delivered to your door—making it easier to prevent future pregnancy scares.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.
Levonorgestrel (generic Plan B®) tablet 1.5 mg, intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex, may cause side effects, including dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, nausea or spotting. If you would like to learn more about Levonorgestrel tablet 1.5 mg, please see product information here. Use as directed.
Ella® (Ulipristal Acetate tablet, 30mg), Rx only, is an emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Ella® may cause side effects, including headache, nausea, and stomach pain. If you would like to learn more about Ella®, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.”
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