Emergency Contraception
Overview
The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
Emergency contraception is not the same as an abortion medication and should be taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. It will not harm a developing embryo if the sperm has already fertilized the egg.
If you would like to see what kind of emergency contraception might be best for you, Planned Parenthood has a tool you can find here to help you make your decision.
What is emergency contraception?
There are different kinds of emergency contraception. Emergency contraception pills delay ovulation so that pregnancy does not occur. Although copper IUDs can be used as emergency contraception, they are difficult to obtain quickly at most military posts, this section will focus on emergency contraception pills. If you are interested in learning about copper IUDs as a form of emergency contraception, you can read more at Planned Parenthood.
What kinds of emergency contraception are there?
There are different kinds of pills used for emergency contraception: Ella (Ulipristal), Levonorgestrel pills (Plan B) and the Yuzpe method.
Ella (Ulipristal) open_in_new
- Most effective.
- Requires a prescription.
- Not as effective for those weighing over 195 pounds.
Levonorgestrel pills open_in_new
- Available over-the-counter without a prescription.
- Several names (e.g., Plan B, My Way, Nurx).
- Not as effective for those weighing over 165 pounds.
Yuzpe methodopen_in_new
- Least effective method.
- Can only be used with certain birth control pills.
- Take one dose of 100mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.5mg levonorgestrel. Take second dose of 100mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.5mg levonorgestrel 12 hours later.
How do I get emergency contraception?
TRICARE covers emergency contraception for service members.
If you are prescribed Ella by a provider, TRICARE will cover it, but you will have a co-pay at a retail pharmacy. You can use the TRICARE formulary search tool to estimate the cost.
For over-the-counter/non-prescription pills (e.g., Plan B One Step, Take Action, My Way, AfterPill, and Aftera), you should take the pill to the pharmacy and ask them to process it under your TRICARE pharmacy benefit. You will need your military ID. You should not pay anything for this. TRICARE will not pay for emergency contraception via home delivery.
If you are not comfortable or unable to get emergency contraception through your military healthcare provider or TRICARE, you have pay-out-of-pocket options.
Levonorgestrel pills that are over-the-counter and do not require a prescription (e.g., Plan B One Step, Take Action) can be purchased online (e.g., Amazon) or in stores in the United States.
Some online providers can prescribe Ella.
Some cost-efficient online providers which prescribe and sell emergency contraception are Nurx and Wisp. These services are limited to those stationed in the United States.
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraception uses synthetic hormones to stop or delay ovulation. This means it stops or slows down the ovary from releasing an egg. Without an egg for the sperm to fertilize, pregnancy cannot happen.
Is it safe to use emergency contraception?
Yes, emergency contraception is very safe.
It will not harm your ability to get pregnant in the future.
You can learn more about emergency contraception at the World Health Organization.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are not commonly experienced by those taking emergency contraception, but can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Aching breasts
- Fatigue
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking emergency contraception, you should take another dose.