That said, taking it properly is crucial for it to protect you to the fullest extent.
First, heres what you should probably know about emergency contraception.
There are a few types of emergency contraception, and some work better than others.
Getty / Jacques LOIC
Known as theYuzpe method, this method has been around since the ’70s.
They can tell you if this or another EC option would be best for your situation.
You dont take it soon enough.
Ella decreases your risk of getting pregnant by85 percentif you take it within the appropriate window.
Paragard also needs to be inserted within that five-day window for be effective.
You throw up after taking EC.
Years ago,emergency contraception relied on estrogento do its job, Dr. Minkin explains.
The estrogen in these thingsthey used mondo dosesused to make people nauseated, she says.
That said, nausea can still happen, especially due to nerves.
Your body might not have had enough time to metabolize it, Dr. White explains.
Your BMI is over a certain number.
Although BMI is a tricky measure for things like health, it does come into play with EC.
If your BMI is over 25, morning-after pills like Plan B areless likely to be effective.
It has to do with the distribution of the drug, Dr. White explains.
Being obese or overweight doesnt render emergency contraception ineffective, just less effective, Dr. Minkin says.
In this instance, the copperIUDcan be an especially great option for EC.
You start hormonal birth control right after taking Ella.
Another hormonal birth control method can decrease Ellas efficacy, she says.
In return, Ella can mess with hormonal birth control’s mechanisms, according toits website.
You took Plan B during ovulation.
Now for the mother of all questions: Is Plan B effective if you are already ovulating?
Heres the deal: Preventing pregnancy with Plan Bor any form of ECis all about timing.
If youovulateduring that time, the sperm and egg can meet and cause pregnancy.
So what should you do if you had unprotected sex during ovulation?
Your best bet is the ParagardIUD.
Its the best emergency contraception we have.
You have more unprotected sex after you take EC.
Once more, with feeling: Everyone makes mistakes.
If you need emergency contraception, theres no reason to feel down on yourself.
