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Pregnancy Prevention and Birth Control: Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception (EC) is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. EC is often called the "morning-after pill" but it can work if taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

When you might need EC pills

Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent pregnancy after sex. You might need EC pills if:

• You didn't use any birth control method.
• Your condom broke or slipped off.
• You forgot to take your birth control pills two days in a row.
• Your diaphragm slipped out of place.
• You were forced to have sex with no protection.

These things could happen to anyone. If this happens to you, call the public health clinics at 707-565-4820.

Where to get EC pills

• EC pills are available through the Public Health Clinic. You can request an appointment online, or call 707-565-4820.
• EC pills are available through health providers that participate in the Family PACT program.
• EC pills can be purchased from a pharmacy that participates in the Emergency Contraception Pharmacy program. Visit the EC Help website, or call 800-323-1336 to find a clinic or pharmacy near you.

The cost of EC might be partially or completely waived if you are unable to pay, and we accept Medi-Cal. Please call the clinic to check on fees.

If you need EC pills on the weekend or after regular business hours, a local pharmacy may also be able to provide you with EC pills. The pharmacist will charge a $10 consultation fee, plus the cost of the EC pills.

Types of EC pills

There are 2 types of EC pills:

1. Pills packaged especially for EC (Plan B)
2. A special dose of birth control pills

• EC pills come in one or two doses.
• You need to take the first dose within 120 hours (5 days) after you had unprotected sex.
• If there is a second dose, it must be taken 12 hours after the first dose.

Our practitioners can talk to you about which type of EC is right for you. Don't wait until you skip your period. Call the public health clinics right away at 707-565-4820.

How EC pills work

EC pills keep a woman from getting pregnant by:

• Stopping ovulation; which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs that can be fertilized.
• Stopping fertilization; which prevents the egg from being fertilized by the sperm.
• Stopping implantation; which prevents a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of the uterus.

If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will NOT work.

EC pills are not the same as the "abortion pill". EC pills prevent pregnancy while the so-called "abortion pills" (Mifeprex (mifepristone) also called RU-486) work after a woman becomes pregnant.

How well EC pills work

The earlier Emergency Contraception (EC) pills are taken, the more effective they are. EC pills reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% if they are first taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The FDA has approved them for only 72 hours after unprotected sex. However they have been shown to work well up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.

Side effects

Some women have nausea and vomiting after taking EC pills. If you have severe nausea, don't stop taking the pills. You may wish to call your medical provider for advice. If you do not finish taking the pills, you may not prevent the pregnancy.

After you have taken EC pills, you can expect that your first period may come sooner or later than normal. Your blood flow also may be different - heavier, lighter, or more spotty than normal. You MUST use another method of birth control if you have vaginal intercourse any time before your next period starts. Now is a good time for you to start planning for the future.

Don't wait until you skip your period. Call the public health clinics right away at 707-565-4820.