Over-the-counter EC pill

Something went wrong with your usual birth control method.

If the condom broke, your partner didn’t pull out in time, or you forgot to take your pill, insert your ring, or apply your patch—or if there was anything else that went wrong with your birth control method—you may want to use EC.

You weren’t using any birth control at the time you had sex.

If you didn’t use any form of birth control during sex and don’t want to get pregnant, the over-the-counter EC pill might be for you—as long as it’s been five days (120 hours) or fewer since you had unprotected sex.

You didn’t consent to sex.

If you’ve been raped or coerced by someone who refused to use contraception, and you don’t want to get pregnant, the over-the-counter EC pill might be for you. (And if you need support, you can call or chat with RAINN, a 24/7 free, confidential national sexual assault hotline.)

You’re looking for EC you can get without seeing a health care provider.

The over-the-counter emergency contraception pill is available without a prescription, so you don’t need to see a provider to get it. You can just get it right off the shelf at drugstores, grocery stores, and health centers, or you can get it online.

It’s proven to be effective in people at your weight.

Studies have shown that the over-the-counter EC pill works best for people who weigh less than 165 pounds. Which leaves out a lot of people. If you weigh 165 pounds or more, you can still take the over-the-counter EC pill (like Plan B), but it may be less effective. The prescription EC pill (sold under the brand name ella) may be a more effective option as long as you weigh less than 195 pounds. If you weigh 195 pounds or more, the IUD is going to be your best bet. In fact, no matter how much you weigh, the IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception.