How Many Kinds of Emergency Contraception Are There?

Emergency contraception (or EC) is a type of birth control that is commonly used after another method of contraception fails during sex, or if the sex was unprotected and partners want to reduce their chances of pregnancy. All The Right Time health centers across Missouri offer free or low-cost access to all methods of contraception, including emergency contraception.

Here’s what to know about EC. For answers to your specific questions about EC, make an appointment to talk to a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center.

How many kinds of EC are there?

There are two kinds: the first is the copper IUD, and the second is emergency contraceptive pills.

The copper IUD is also known as the non-hormonal IUD. It does not have hormones and is made of plastic and a small amount of natural copper. It doesn’t affect your period and can work for up to 12 years. It reduces the chances of pregnancy by 99.9%, so it’s extremely effective if used (aka inserted by a provider) within 5 days of unprotected sex.

The other type of EC is the EC pill. There are three kinds of EC pill, none which are the same as the abortion pill. Sometimes known as Plan B or Levonorgestrel, these pills are available with a prescription and sometimes over the counter without one. They are slightly less effective than the copper IUD, and a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center can tell you more, as well as help you understand the differences between the three types of EC pills.

No matter what type of EC you decide is right for you, remember that the sooner you use it after unprotected sex, the more effective at reducing the chances of pregnancy it is. Some people keep it in a secret place at home so they can take it right away if they need to.