Emergency Contraception

(Sometimes referred to as Morning-after Pills, or the brand name, Plan B)

 
Emergency contraceptive pills (EC) can be used if you have had unprotected vaginal sex in the last 5 days (120 hours) and don't want to get pregnant.

You may need emergency contraception if:

• vaginal intercourse was unplanned, unintended, or unwanted
• contraceptives were not used
• contraceptives were used incorrectly
• a condom broke or slipped off
• the diaphragm slipped out of place

Emergency contraceptive pills consist of either 1 or 2 dose* hormone pills which are started within 5 days of unprotected vaginal intercourse. The sooner emergency contraception is started, the more effective it will be.

* In July 2009, the FDA approved Plan B One Step, a new one dose medication that is available to those 17 years old or over without a prescription.

* Plan B (two dose; the second pill taken 12 hrs. after the first)  has been on the market and is still available to those over 18 years of age without a prescription.  If you are under 18 years of age, you can obtain Plan B by prescription with a walk-in appointment at Gannett during regular business hours or it can be prescribed over the phone when Gannett is closed (255-5155).

Both are available at the Gannett Pharmacy (federal law requires proof of age for purchase).  There is a cost difference (Plan B One Step is currently more expensive than Plan B), so we recomend you consult the Pharmacist about prices when requesting EC.

If you have recently purchased EC, please review this fact sheet for information about related Gannett services and support.

For Men:

If you are concerned about someone you know or care about, encourage them to call Gannett to discuss their emergency contraception options. If you yourself are concerned about an unprotected sexual experience, consider talking to a Clinical Counselor or other care provider at Gannett to get the support and information you may need.