Accidents can happen. Emergency Contraception is more effective if started as soon as possible after unprotected sex, however, it can be used up to 5 days after. If your birth control method should fail, AHD has emergency contraception available. Methods of emergency contraception offered at the clinic include both pills and Copper IUD placement.
If you are unable to make it to our L Street clinic, emergency contraception pills are available through your local pharmacy without a prescription.
Emergency contraception is NOT a regular method of birth control. Emergency contraception can be used after no birth control was used during sex, or if the birth control method failed, such as if a condom broke. However, some women choose to have a Copper IUD placed as emergency contraception, and this can remain inside the uterus for protection against pregnancy up to 10 years.