Emergency contraception - or EC - can be used to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex!
Where to get EC
If you are 17 and older, you can just walk into a drugstore and get EC without a prescription. EC can be a bit pricy, however (from $35-60), but if you go to a family planning clinic and sign up for Family Pact, you can get it for free. Check out the clinic finder or go to www.familypact.org or call 1-800-942-1054 to find EC near you. The National EC Hotline website at www.not-2-late.com and 1-888-668-2528 can also be used to find EC anywhere in the United States.
If you are under 17, you need a prescription to get EC. You can still use the clinic finder or the National EC Hotline website to find a clinic near you to get your prescription.
While EC works for up to 5 days after unprotected sex, it is more effective the sooner you take it. It’s best if you have an emergency supply on hand just in case, so that you can take it as soon as possible.