EC — Emergency Contraception

EC — Emergency Contraception

... can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. It is also called post-coital or "morning-after" contraception.

... is available from health care providers, Planned Parenthood® health centers, and other women's health and family planning centers.

... is provided in two ways


emergency contraception pills (ECPs)

insertion of an IUD

... is used only if a woman is not already pregnant from a previous act of intercourse. ECPs prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation or fertilization. IUDs prevent fertilization. Theoretically, EC could also prevent implantation, but that has not been proven scientifically. EC will not cause an abortion.