Emergency contraception (EC) is basically a high dose of certain types of birth control pills. The current brand names for EC in the U.S. are Plan B One-Step, Ella and Next Choice. Plan B One Step and Ella require that you take one pill. Next Choice requires you to take two pills, 12 hours apart. Read the instructions on your package to be sure you are taking the medication properly.

EC is not an abortion; it works by preventing pregnancy before it happens. It will not end a pregnancy that has already started. This is why it’s so important to take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Unprotected sex includes not using any method of birth control or condoms, or having a method fail (like a condom breaking).

If you are 17 or older, you can get Plan B One Step and Next Choice directly from a pharmacist without a prescription in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The newly approved EC pill, Ella, is only available to anyone of any age with a prescription.

If you need a prescription for EC, you can find a health care provider near you, as well as answers to your questions about EC, at NOT-2-LATE.com, the Emergency Contraception Web site.