Emergency Contraception

ecEmergency Contraception (also known as EC) is for when you suspect you may have experienced birth control failure - - OR, you know failed to use birth control. This isn't the time to beat yourself up for what you did or didn't do, or to take a chance that it will turn out OK.  It's time to ACT and get to the pharmacy or clinic for EC!

Taken within the first 120 hours (5 days), it is 75% effective in reducing the chance of pregnancy.  Taken within 72 hours (3 days), the effectiveness jumps up to 89%. 

Bottom line is that EC is the most effective if it is taken as close as possible to the act of unprotected sex.  The closer the better!

A few more things to know:

  • EC is NOT the "abortion pill" and will not disrupt an established pregnancy. 
  • EC is legally available to anyone over the age of 17 at nearly every pharmacy across the country.  It is available "over-the-counter", which simply means YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A PRESCRIPTION.  Just call ahead to make sure your pharmacy has it in stock.  If they don't, they are obligated to let you know who in your area does.
  • EC can be expensive in any pharmacy (generally $50-$70), so if there's a family planning clinic in your area, and it is during regular clinic hours, they may be able to dispense EC to you directly and at no cost (or for a very reduced cost based on a sliding scale).

There are two types of EC on the market - brand name PlanB One-Step and the FDA approved, generic Next Choice. These ECs are packaged and taken a little differently, so make sure you understand which brand you have and the proper way to take it.

Plan B One-Step is one pill containing the hormone levonorgestrel (similar to the progesterone found in regular birth control pills, but single, larger dose). Visit Plan B One-Step website.

Next Choice (FDA approved generic) also contains the hormone levonorgestrel, but it is packaged as TWO pills - one taken as soon as you receive the packet and another 12 hours later. Visit Next Choice website.

CFHC continues to prescribe EC to who needs or requests it.  Give us a call (603) 225-2739.  We will ask you a few questions to be certain that EC is what you need and if so, call the order into the pharmacy of your choice.