Emergency Contraception (For the Serious Morning After)

Written By Ms. Skeptical
Emergency contraception (EC) is your fail-safe. Don’t let Governor Palin tell you different. After a Days of Our Lives-style drama in the FDA, emergency contraception (EC) was finally approved in 2006 as an over-the-counter drug for women 18 and older. Despite the associated political and regulatory hullabaloo, EC a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after an “oh fuck” moment. That is, after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. For this reason, EC is also sometimes referred to as the ‘morning after’ pill. There is no shame in being prepared should an emergency arise. Condoms, lube, and emergency contraception are all part of the worry-free sex preparedness pack and worry-free sex tends to be much more pleasurable than the alternative, so be sure to add it to your arsenal.

The Specs
The only brand of EC pill available in the US is called Plan B and it is a progestin-only pill. EC is effective when taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but the sooner the pills are taken the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy. It is not an abortion pill and cannot terminate an existing pregnancy. It works similar to a regular birth control pill the difference is that Plan B contains two pills with a larger dose of hormone than what is found in a single birth control pill.

Access to Plan B is limited by pharmacist availability and whether or not a pharmacist is willing to dispense Plan B, but don’t let that prevent you from have a backup plan. EC is available to men and women eighteen years and older at various pharmacies. To find a pharmacy near you that dispenses EC check out the Emergency Contraception Website.

-Ms. Skeptical

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ps. Planned Parenthood also carries EC.

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