We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Plan B pills can prevent pregnancy following sex without birth control. Several other emergency contraceptives exist but are typically less effective for regular use.
This article details what emergency contraception is and what factors to consider when choosing the right option. It outlines several emergency contraception products, regular birth control methods, and frequently asked questions.
Quick links
Emergency contraception refers to a method of birth control that people can use right after sexual intercourse to help prevent pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, emergency contraception is appropriate for anyone who:
- forgot to take their birth control pills more than once
- did not use any barrier methods for sexual activity
- used a broken condom
There are different forms of emergency contraception, including Plan B. Plan B contains the drug levonorgestrel, and people sometimes refer to it as “the morning-after pill.”
There are various types of emergency contraception available. Some options will work for one person but may be unsuitable for others.
Some factors to consider when choosing the right emergency contraception include:
- Weight: Ella can be less effective in people with higher body weight.
- Convenience: Some emergency contraception pills require no prescription and are available to purchase online for people who cannot leave their house. Getting a copper intrauterine (IUD) device requires a trip to the doctor’s office, which is not always an option for some people.
- Sexual activity: Emergency contraception is typically effective for up to 5 days, but this depends on the last time a person had sex without contraception. People buying the Ella pill should take it as soon as they can.
- Breastfeeding: Ella’s manufacturer recommends against taking this pill if a person is breastfeeding. Plan B pills and copper IUDs do not affect breast milk.
This table provides a comparison between the available Plan B alternatives:
| Plan B alternative | Form | Who is it suitable for | Price | Prescription required |
| Ella | pill | people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less | $45 | yes |
| Take Action | pill | people weighing less than 155 pounds (lbs) | $39.99 | no |
| AfterPill | pill | people weighing less than 155 lbs | $20 | no |
| My Choice | pill | people weighing less than 155 lbs | $11.99 | no |
| Paragard | IUD | people with obesity or who are breastfeeding | up to $1300 | yes |
The below is a review of each product:
Ella
Ella is a pill that can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after sexual intercourse. It is available with a prescription from a healthcare professional.
Ella is less effective for those with a high BMI, and the manufacturer advises against using it if a person is breastfeeding. The pill can cause side effects, such as headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, period pain, fatigue, and dizziness. It’s common to experience abnormal bleeding or unscheduled bleeding after using any form of emergency contraception.
In addition, this pill is available for purchase online for $45 per month. Though it is one-time use, it comes with a three-month supply option and is available with insurance coverage.
Take Action
Take Action is an emergency contraception pill that people should take within 3 days of having sex. It contains the drug levonorgestrel and is available without a prescription.
The University of Michigan Health System mentions that side effects of taking the pill might include:
- changes in the menstrual cycle
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- mild stomach pain
- breast pain
- dizziness
The Take Action pill is available for $39.99. There is free standard shipping and a 90-day return guarantee.
Read more about the Take Action pill here.
AfterPill
AfterPill contains 1.5 milligrams (mg) of levonorgestrel and is effective when people take it up to 3 days after having sex. However, it is most effective within the first 12 hours.
The pill requires no prescription and is only available online. People can order AfterPill directly from the manufacturer’s website for $20, and shipping takes around 5–7 days.
My Choice
My Choice is a levonorgestrel pill that is effective when taken within 3 days of engaging in sexual activity.
It can cause:
- menstrual changes
- tiredness
- dizziness
- nausea
- breast pain
My Choice is available online for $11.99 with free shipping and a 30-day return guarantee.
Paragard
Paragard is an IUD that a gynecologist inserts into the uterus. Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in women’s reproductive health. The copper IUD prevents pregnancy mainly by causing an inflammatory reaction in the uterus, which creates an environment unsuitable for conception.
Paragard is available with a prescription and can last for up to 10 years. The device is 99% effective, and people can use it immediately after having a baby and while breastfeeding.
One
Paragard’s price can vary up to $1300. The manufacturer states that people can get full insurance coverage but should first check with their provider.
People who wish to avoid pregnancy may consider using regular contraceptive methods.
There are two types of regular contraceptive methods:
Hormonal birth control
The
Some hormonal birth control methods include:
- Implantable rod: This is a matchstick-sized rod that contains the hormone progestin. Doctors place it under the skin of the upper arm. The rods are 99% effective and can last for up to 3 years.
- Combined pills: These contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. The pills are available with a prescription, and doctors recommend taking them every day. Combined pills have a failure rate of around
7% . - Patch: A hormonal birth control patch comes with estrogen and progestin. People wear the patch on their buttocks, lower abdomen, upper arm, or upper back. Patches are available with a prescription and are around 91% effective.
Nonhormonal birth control
Some people may prefer nonhormonal birth control methods, which can cause fewer side effects than hormonal methods. Nonhormonal birth control options include:
- Condoms: Condoms can prevent sperm from entering the woman’s reproductive system. Latex condoms are the
most common type and can also prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. They are generally less than 82% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use. - Spermicides: These are available in various forms, including foams, gels, and tablets. Women can place spermicides inside their vagina before having sexual intercourse to kill sperm.
- Sponges: Sponges also contain spermicides. Women place them in their vagina before sexual intercourse to block sperm from entering the cervix. Contraceptive sponges work for
up to 24 hours and are more effective in women who have never been pregnant.
Frequently asked questions about Plan B alternatives include:
What happens if someone cannot afford emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception comes at different prices.
People who have an insurance plan may be eligible for free contraception. It is best to contact the insurance provider to check what type of coverage they offer.
Do people need a prescription for emergency contraception?
Anyone opting for Paragard or Ella will require a prescription. However, other emergency contraception pills are available without a prescription.
Where can someone buy emergency contraception?
Individuals can buy pills containing levonorgestrel from drugstores, pharmacies, and online providers.
However, those buying Paragard or the Ella pill will have to speak with a doctor to obtain a prescription.
There are many Plan B alternatives for emergency contraception, such as the Ella, Take Action, and My Choice pills. Someone can also get a Paragard IUD, which is suitable for regular use. The best option depends on various factors, such as the individual’s weight and whether they are breastfeeding.
Costs can vary, but some people are eligible for free contraception through their health insurance provider. Health professionals can provide advice on the best type of birth control or emergency contraceptive.