Emergency Contraception 101
We walk you through the basics of emergency contraception so that you can make the best decision.
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Expert Q & A
Our expert team of doctors and pharmacists answer questions about emergency contraception, and what to expect when taking it.
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Emergency Contraception Resource Center > Expert QA
Understanding Emergency Contraception
Our expert team of doctors and pharmacists receive many questions about emergency contraception. Many of these questions are from women seeking more information about EC before deciding whether to consider it as an option. The following questions deal with understanding emergency contraception, and what to expect when taking it. Click on the questions below to see the answers.
Where is the best place to get the morning-after pill? How much will it cost?
My boyfriend and I are in a long-distance relationship, so we only have the opportunity to have sex every couple of weeks. Is it okay for us to just use emergency contraception instead of a birth control pill that I have to take every day?
I need to get the morning-after pill. I know I don't need a prescription, but where can I go to buy it? Does Planned Parenthood sell it?
I'm starting on birth control pills soon, but I'm not sure yet if I'll be able to remember to take them every day. Is it possible for me to get emergency contraceptive pills before I need them, in case I forget to take my regular birth control pills?
I forgot to take my birth control pills for two straight days and had sex with my boyfriend last night. Do I need to visit my doctor for the morning-after pill, or can I get it over-the-counter at the pharmacy?
I had unprotected sex and would like to use emergency contraception, but I don't know where to go or what I need to do. I've heard that you can just go to a pharmacy for the morning-after pill. Is that true? Is there anything in particular that I need to do when I get there?
I've heard that you can use regular birth control pills as emergency contraception by just taking more of them all at once. Is this true? If so, how many should I take?
I had unprotected sex and am considering emergency contraception pills, but I'm concerned about how they might affect my body. How likely are side effects? If problems occur, what are the most common side effects?
I've heard Plan B referred to as "emergency contraception." Is that different from the morning-after pill? If it is different, what is the brand name for the morning-after pill?
I'm confused. Is the "morning-after pill" different from "emergency contraception," or are they the same thing?
Are emergency contraception pills the same as RU-486? If I'm already pregnant and take emergency contraception, will it harm the fetus?
Will emergency contraception cause an abortion? Do different types of emergency contraception work differently?
Written by/reviewed by:
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD