Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Contraception
Let’s start with the basics:, what is emergency contraception (EC)? Emergency contraception is an acute method that must be used within 5 days or 120 hours of unprotected sex to prevent ovulation. EC comes in two forms: oral pills and copper or hormonal IUDs.
Oral pills, more commonly known as “Plan B” or “the morning after pill,” work by stopping the release of an egg (ovulation). IUDs (both hormonal or copper) work by preventing the sperm and egg from joining. While oral EC pills can be used as a single use form of emergency contraception, an IUD when inserted within the 5 day window can be used as both emergency contraception and a long acting form of birth control for the duration of the device (3-12 years, depending on the device selected).
Where can I get EC pills?
Hoping to get emergency contraceptive pills? Well, you’re in luck! There are three pathways to getting your EC pills:
First is over the counter. Check your local Walgreens, CVS, Jewel Osco, or Target! Most of these places keep EC behind the counter so make sure to ask for it if you can’t find it on the shelf. The brands most carried in stores are Plan B One-Step and Julie, which retail for about 50 dollars out of pocket if you don’t have a prescription or insurance.
Second is through your primary care provider. All primary care providers in Illinois can write you a prescription for emergency contraceptive pills upon request. If you have a Plan B prescription, you can get coverage at any pharmacy under Illinois Medicaid. Ella, another form of EC pills, requires a prescription and is more effective for anyone over 165 pounds. If you want to have EC pills on hand in case of an emergency, ask your provider to write you a prescription in advance.
Finally, you can order these pills online through a variety of virtual healthcare platforms including Twentyeight health. If you have Medicaid coverage in IL, the cost of any medication, including EC pills, should be covered.
Having trouble locating EC? Visit PlanB Onestep to use their store locator to find EC in your area or make an appointment with an ICAN! Quality Hub Provider near you.
Remember In Illinois, anyone 12+ has the right to seek confidential sexual health care. This means you can have the right to get EC pills over the counter, online*, or through your provider without parental permission. *To order from Twentyeight health you must be 13 years old and above.
I want to get EC but it’s expensive.
We hear you! If you have Illinois Medicaid (including All Kids, Medicaid for Family Planning, and Moms & Babies) or have insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), your EC pills will be no cost to you. If you live in Illinois, earn less than $3754 a month (about 45,000 a year) you may qualify for coverage to get free EC and birth control. Check your eligibility here.
Frequently asked Questions
In an age of misinformation, we want to set some things straight about emergency contraceptive pills! Here is a list of common questions and misconceptions about EC.
- Do EC pills affect my period?
Yes, but only temporarily. Depending on when the EC pill is taken, your menstrual cycle may start earlier or later.
- Is it safe to use EC more than once?
Yes! There are no long-term effects on the body or fertility if EC is used repeatedly.
- Does this method affect my ability to get pregnant later on?
No, EC does not affect your ability to get pregnant later. In fact, Depo-Provera is the only non-permanent birth control method shown to have a small delay in returning to your baseline fertility. All other methods have essentially no impact on fertility.
- Are EC pills the same as abortion pills?
No. Emergency contraceptives prevent pregnancy from occurring. Abortion pills terminate existing pregnancies. Abortion care is fully covered under all Illinois Medicaid programs. If you need help accessing an abortion or abortion pills, please visit Chicago Abortion Fund.
Do you still have questions about EC? Visit our website to learn more, send us an email at info@ican4all.org or speak to your provider.
