See our guide to what to do if a condom breaks for the fuller picture of next steps after a condom failure or unprotected sex — this page focuses specifically on the emergency contraception options themselves and how they differ.
How it actually works
Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation, so fertilization doesn't happen in the first place. It does not end an existing pregnancy and won't work if someone is already pregnant — it's a distinct method from medication abortion, not an alternate name for the same thing.
The options, compared
| Option | Timing window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel pill | Most effective within 72 hours | Available over the counter in many places; effectiveness declines with each passing hour |
| Ulipristal acetate pill | Approved for a longer window, commonly cited up to 120 hours | Requires a prescription in many places; may work better than levonorgestrel later in the window |
| Copper IUD | Up to 120 hours | The single most effective emergency contraception option, and doubles as ongoing birth control afterward — see our IUD guide |
Not a regular method
Emergency contraception is designed for occasional use after something unplanned happens — a condom breaking, a missed pill, or unprotected sex — not as a primary ongoing method. It's generally less effective than a regular method used consistently, covered on our birth control comparison page. If it's being used often, that's a signal worth bringing to a doctor to find an ongoing method that actually fits, rather than repeatedly relying on this specifically.
Frequently asked questions
Does emergency contraception end an existing pregnancy?
No. Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation so fertilization doesn't happen in the first place — it doesn't work if someone is already pregnant, and it isn't the same thing as medication abortion, which is a separate method entirely.
How soon does it need to be taken?
As soon as possible — effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, even within the approved window. Levonorgestrel-based pills are most effective within 72 hours, ulipristal acetate is approved for a longer window (commonly cited up to 120 hours), and a copper IUD inserted within 120 hours is the most effective option overall as emergency contraception.
Can it be used regularly instead of an ongoing method?
It's designed for occasional, emergency use, not as a primary ongoing method — it's generally less effective than regular contraception used consistently, and isn't intended for repeated regular use. If it's being reached for often, that's worth a conversation with a doctor about an ongoing method that fits better.
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