Progestin for Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is meant to be used as a backup method for preventing pregnancy. For regular protection, be sure that you have:

• A birth control method that you know you can use every time you have sex.
• Condoms for protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every time you have sex.

You can use emergency contraception if you are not confident that you were protected against pregnancy during intercourse. This can happen if:

• You have unplanned sex without birth control.
• Your usual birth control method fails. For example:
  • A barrier method, such as a condom or diaphragm, has torn or dislodged.
  • You have missed taking birth control pills.
  • An IUD has come out, either completely or partially.
• You are taking other medicines that may affect contraception medicines. These include some antiseizure, antibiotic, and antifungal medicines, and the herb St. John's wort.
• You were sexually assaulted. Some emergency rooms offer emergency contraception as part of sexual assault care. Others will provide emergency contraception when they are asked for it.

Be sure to plan with your doctor for your birth control needs.

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