How to prevent pregnancy after sex

Safe sex—like many other things in life—isn’t foolproof. Maybe you had penis-in-vagina sex without some form of protection. Or maybe the form of protection you typically use didn’t work. Condoms break, pills get missed, and withdrawal (“pulling out”) isn’t perfect. 

While the chances of getting pregnant after one-time unprotected sex get higher the closer you are to ovulation, there are things you can do to prevent pregnancy (as well as some myths you might have heard that unfortunately don’t work as advertised). The key thing to know is that, if you’re within 3-5 days of unprotected sex, emergency contraception can help you decrease those chances.

Below, we’re explaining all of your options for emergency contraception, including how each one of them works, how well they work, and where you can access them.

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Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is medication that can help you decrease the chances of pregnancy after unprotected penis-in-vagina sex or when birth control doesn’t work as planned. Emergency contraceptives are not “abortifacients” and don’t cause abortions. They help prevent pregnancy, but they can’t end a developing pregnancy. 

One of the ways that they work is by delaying ovulation until most or all of the sperm is gone—yes, sperm can live up to five days in the vagina! Because of this, if you have already ovulated then emergency contraception will not work. (This is one of the reasons why it does not have a 100% effectiveness rate.) This is also why it’s best to take emergency contraception as soon as possible: It will decrease the chance that you have ovulated already. 

Popular options for emergency contraception include:

• Plan B and other emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) that contain the hormone levonorgestrel (a progestin)
• Ella, which contains ulipristal acetate (a chemical that blocks the effects of progestins)
• Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release 52 mg of levonorgestrel, like Mirena or Liletta
• Non-hormonal IUDs (Paragard)
• The Yuzpe method using combination birth control pills

Hey Jane’s team of providers can help you plan ahead, find the best emergency contraception for you, and get discreet access to Plan B or Ella to keep on-hand for whenever you may need them in the future.

The morning-after pill

The “morning-after pill” is probably the form of emergency contraception you’ve heard the most about. There are actually two available options for ECPs: ones containing levonorgestrel and ones containing ulipristal acetate.

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Plan B and other ECPs containing levonorgestrel

Plan B and other ECPs containing levonorgestrel work by delaying ovulation. Delaying ovulation means there’s no egg available for fertilization by sperm. An egg needs to be fertilized by sperm and the fertilized egg needs to implant into the lining of the uterus for pregnancy to happen.

Levonorgestrel-based ECPs only work if taken before ovulation. When taken within three days of unprotected sex, they can prevent pregnancy for about 93-99 in 100 people. They can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, but they’re less likely to work. They’re more effective the earlier you take them.

Levonorgestrel-based ECPs may be less effective for people who weigh more than 165 pounds, but they can still work.

Levonorgestrel-based ECPs are easy to get. You can order them from online clinics like Hey Jane or pick them up at your local pharmacy.

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Are there alternatives to Plan B?

Yes. Plan B is often used as a generic term for emergency contraception, but it is actually a specific brand, Plan B One-Step. There are other brands that contain the same hormone, levonorgestrel, that are available at your local pharmacy for immediate use or online from providers like Hey Jane to keep on hand for future emergencies.

In addition to methods with levonorgestrel, Plan B alternatives include Ella (a pill available via prescription that has a more flexible timeline and weight requirement than Plan B), taking multiple combination birth control pills (known as the Yuzpe method), and the copper IUD (Paragard).

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What pills should you take to avoid pregnancy after 72 hours?

Ella, a prescription emergency contraception pill, can be taken up to 120 hours or 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Unlike Plan B (and its generic form, levonorgestrel) which is significantly less effective after 72 hours, Ella has a slightly more flexible timeline. However, the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. 

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Ella

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IUD

What Is an IUD?

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. It's one of the most effective and long-lasting forms of birth control available.

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How do IUDs work?

There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal (copper).

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Hormonal IUDs

• Release levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone.
• Prevent pregnancy by:
  
  
  
  • Thickening cervical mucus, blocking sperm from reaching the egg.
  • Sometimes suppressing ovulation, stopping eggs from being released.

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Non-hormonal IUDs

• Made of copper, which is toxic to sperm.
• Prevent pregnancy by changing sperm movement, making it harder to reach and fertilize an egg.
  
  

Can an IUD be used as emergency contraception?

Yes. An IUD is the most effective emergency contraception method available.

• Must be inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days of unprotected sex.
• Still works if inserted up to 5 days after ovulation.
• Prevents pregnancy in over 99% of cases.
• IUD effectiveness is not affected by body weight.
  
  

How effective is an IUD?

• More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Offers long-term protection for 3 to 10+ years, depending on the type.
• Many people who get an IUD for emergency contraception choose to keep it for ongoing birth control.

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Do you need a prescription for an IUD?

Yes. IUDs must be inserted in person by a healthcare provider. You’ll need an appointment for both consultation and insertion.

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Can you use birth control as Plan B? A step-by-step guide

Yes, you can use birth control pills as emergency contraception in what’s called the Yuzpe method. It’s the least effective form of emergency contraception, but sometimes it’s the only option available.

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Step 1: Understand the Yuzpe method

The Yuzpe method uses combination birth control pills as emergency contraception. While it's the least effective option (preventing pregnancy in about 56–86 out of 100 cases), it can be helpful if other forms aren't available.

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Step 2: Timing Is key

The Yuzpe method only works if taken before ovulation. It delays ovulation and may impact hormone levels, cervical mucus, and the uterine lining.

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Step 3: Calculate your dosage

You’ll need two doses of combination birth control pills, spaced 12 hours apart. Each dose should contain 100 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.50 mg of levonorgestrel.

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Step 4: Take within 3 days

The first dose must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, with the second dose 12 hours later.

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Step 5: Prescription needed

Because this method requires specific birth control pills, you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider.

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Step 6: Consider future planning

Using the Yuzpe method can leave you short on pills for the rest of your cycle. If you're interested in ongoing contraception, Hey Jane’s providers can help you find the right option from over 100 choices.

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Myths about emergency contraception

As with all things reproductive health, there are countless myths circulating about emergency contraception. Here’s the truth.

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“Trending” natural alternatives

Despite what you may have seen or heard on TikTok, while there are many benefits to eating fruit, there’s zero scientific evidence that pineapple, papaya, or apricots will prevent pregnancy. 

(Interestingly, eating pineapple has also been suggested as a way to increase the chances of getting pregnant. There’s no scientific evidence of that either.)

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Douching

No, douching after sex won’t prevent pregnancy. In fact, experts recommend avoiding it altogether. Douching can disrupt the bacterial environment of the vagina and increase the risk of vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis.

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Peeing 

While there may be other reasons why you’d want to pee after sex (it can help you reduce the risk of getting a urinary tract infection), peeing after sex won’t prevent pregnancy. 

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Get tested for STDs and STIs

Something else to consider after unprotected sex is possible exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Getting regularly tested for STIs and being open with your partners about STI history can help reduce the risk of transmission.

If you are diagnosed with herpes, which is a very common STI, know that Hey Jane is here for you. We offer fast and discreet herpes treatment to help you stay on top of your sexual health and wellness.

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If you don’t want to be pregnant

If you find out you're pregnant after unprotected sex and don’t want to be, you still have options. Hey Jane can help you access abortion pills safely, discreetly, and quickly—all from the comfort and convenience of your phone. Find out if a medication abortion is right for you.