

How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? (2020).
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You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. However, keep in mind that it can be less effective for users with a BMI of 30 or more. A bit of nausea and fatigue are the most common side effects. It’s typically safe to use and the side effects - if any - are usually mild. There aren’t age restrictions, and you don’t need to show ID to get it. You can get it over the counter (OTC) in most pharmacies for between $40 and $50. The least expensive and most accessible EC is the progestin-only EC pill, aka the morning-after pill. Ideally, you should use it within 72 hours after sex, though you have up to 5 days with the copper IUD. The sooner you use EC after having sex, the more effective it is.

Hormonal IUDs may become available for emergency contraception soon, too. But getting it quick enough can be tricky, since it needs to be inserted by a medical provider. The copper IUD is the most effective form of EC. If that’s the case, you have a couple of EC options to choose from, including a copper intrauterine device (IUD) or pills. Progesterone or progestin-only pills are a different story. But, again, this only applies to pills with combined estrogen and progesterone. Using pills with combined estrogen and progesterone? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency contraception (EC) isn’t usually needed if you only missed one pill.īut it can be considered if you missed a pill early in your cycle or in the last week of the previous cycle. Sh*t happens.)Īs a matter of fact, stats from a 2015 survey showed that around 15 percent of people surveyed reported missing one pill in the previous month. That drops to 91 percent with typical use, which takes into account slip-ups, like forgetting to take a pill once in a while. With perfect use, birth control pills are close to 99 percent effective. You get the best results if you take your pill around the same time every single day. So, there’s always a small chance you’ll get pregnant, no matter what type of pill you take. That said, even with perfect use, no pill is 100 percent effective. If you miss one of your progesterone-only pills, seek a back-up method of birth control, pronto. However, if you’re taking a progesterone-only pill, there’s a much smaller window of continued protection. When taken consistently, oral contraceptives with combined estrogen and progesterone provide a steady stream of medication that maintains the therapeutic drug level needed to stop you from ovulating. Missing one combination pill (that contains both estrogen and progesterone) won’t undo the protection your body’s built up. If you missed a progestin-only pill, the answer is a little more complicated (but don’t panic – we’ll tell you everything you need to know). What kind of pill you’re taking can make a difference: If you only missed one combination birth control pill (meaning it contains both estrogen and progesterone) and you’ve been consistent otherwise, take a breath, do a happy dance, and then get back to having all the sex you want.
