Emergency Contraception: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Get It

You might know it as “the morning after pill” or “Plan B.” Whatever you call it, emergency contraception (EC) — which provides a chance to avoid pregnancy following intercourse without any method of birth control — is good to know about. The most effective way of preventing pregnancy is choosing a method of contraception and using it correctly and consistently. But life doesn't always work that way: Pills can be forgotten, condoms break or slip, or you might be forced to have sex.

The available EC methods are as follows:

• Pills containing the hormone levonorgestrel (brand name, Plan B One-Step; generic names, Next Choice, Next Choice One Dose, and levonorgestrel tablets) are available without a prescription. They work best if taken within the …