Emergency contraceptives, also called "morning after pills," are birth control pills which can be taken after intercourse in order to prevent pregnancy. Currently on the market in the United States, the birth control pill Plan B One-Step can prevent pregnancy when taken up to 72 hours after intercourse.
Plan B One-Step, or other birth control used after intercourse has already taken place, is not as effective as preventative methods such as birth control pills, condoms, etc. However, morning after pills can be useful in cases of rape, condom failure (tearing or falling off), unprotected sex, or any other situation where pregnancy is undesirable, but precautions were not taken.
Plan B One-Step is available from a pharmacist without a prescription for women who are 17 or older. Boston residents should contact a local pharmacy. CVS has multiple locations in Boston including 333 Washington St., Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA 02108.
Now, there is a morning after pill which can prevent pregnancy when taken up to five days after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is (just like the Plan B One-Step).
Here's what you need to know about the new emergency contraception, called EllaOne.
- It is not currently available in the United States.
- It is available across Europe only with a doctor's prescription.
- EllaOne does not protect against STDs.
- The longer window of effectiveness for the new pill is not an excuse to delay treatment.
- Like Plan B One-Step, taking it as soon as possible increases its effectiveness.
- In Europe, the cost of the new emergency contraception is three times higher than pills containing levonorgestrel.
- Opponents of the new pill compare it to the "abortion pill."
The Lancet published its findings regarding the new pill today, Friday, January 29, 2010.
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