I-Pill (Levonorgestrel) vs Other Emergency Contraceptives: Full Comparison
Emergency Contraceptive Comparison Tool
Select your situation below to see which emergency contraceptive may work best for you.
When a condom breaks or you miss a birth control pill, you need a backup that works fast. The I-Pill is a single‑dose emergency contraceptive that delivers levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that disrupts ovulation. It’s been on U.S. pharmacy shelves for over two decades, but it’s not the only option on the market. Below, we break down how the I‑Pill stacks up against its main rivals so you can pick the method that fits your timeline, budget, and comfort level.
TL;DR - Quick Takeaways
- Levonorgestrel (I‑Pill) works best within 72hours; effectiveness drops after 48hours.
- Ulipristal acetate (Ella) stays highly effective up to 120hours but needs a prescription in many states.
- Copper IUD can be inserted up to 5days after intercourse and is >99% effective, also giving ongoing contraception.
- Yuzpe regimen (combined birth‑control pills) is the least convenient and least effective of the lot.
- Cost ranges from $30for an I‑Pill to $800for a copper IUD, with insurance covering most IUD placements.
How the I‑Pill Works
The active ingredient, Levonorgestrel, mimics the body’s natural progesterone. By flooding the system with a high dose, it either stops the ovary from releasing an egg or prevents fertilization if the egg is already out. It does not terminate an established pregnancy, which is why timing matters.
Efficacy and Timing
Clinical trials show a single 1.5mg dose prevents about 85% of pregnancies when taken within 24hours, 75% at 48hours, and 58% at the 72‑hour mark. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the I‑Pill for use up to 72hours after unprotected sex, though many pharmacists will still sell it up to 120hours with a warning about reduced efficacy.
Side Effects and Who Should Avoid It
Most users report mild nausea, occasional headache, or a short‑lived change in menstrual timing. If you’re already pregnant, have severe liver disease, or are allergic to any component, skip the I‑Pill and talk to a provider.
Cost and Accessibility
In 2025 the average retail price for a single I‑Pill is $30-$35. Many insurance plans cover it under preventive services, but cash‑pay patients often pay out‑of‑pocket. Online pharmacies list it for as low as $25, but watch for state restrictions that may require a pharmacist’s consultation.
Alternative Emergency Contraceptives
Ulipristal Acetate (Ella)
The Ulipristal acetate pill is a selective progesterone receptor modulator. It can be taken up to 120hours after intercourse and maintains about 98% efficacy even at the five‑day mark. The trade‑off is that many pharmacies treat it as prescription‑only, and it may interact with hormonal birth‑control pills if you start a new regimen within a month.
Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
A copper IUD works as an emergency method by creating a hostile environment for sperm and fertilized eggs. It can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex and offers >99% pregnancy prevention, plus long‑term contraception for up to 10years. The procedure requires a clinician, and the upfront cost ($750‑$850) can be offset by insurance or family‑planning programs.
Yuzpe Regimen (Combined Oral Contraceptives)
The Yuzpe regimen uses regular birth‑control pills (estrogen+progestin) taken in two doses 12hours apart. It’s less effective-about 70% when used correctly-and can cause more nausea due to the estrogen component. Most clinicians recommend it only when other options aren’t available.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Method | Active ingredient | Effective window | Typical efficacy | Prescription needed? | Cost (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I‑Pill | Levonorgestrel | Up to 72hrs (120hrs with reduced efficacy) | 85% (24hrs) → 58% (72hrs) | No (OTC in most states) | 30‑35 |
| Ella (Ulipristal) | Ulipristal acetate | Up to 120hrs | ≈98% up to 120hrs | Often prescription | 45‑55 |
| Copper IUD | Copper wire | Up to 120hrs (5days) | >99% | Yes (clinical insertion) | 750‑850 (often covered) |
| Yuzpe regimen | Estrogen + progestin | Up to 72hrs | ≈70% | No (use existing pills) | 5‑10 (if you have pills) |
Choosing the Right Option for You
Ask yourself these three questions:
- How many hours have passed? If it’s under 24hours, the I‑Pill is quick and cheap. Past 48hours? Ulipristal or a copper IUD become more reliable.
- Do you need ongoing birth control? A copper IUD gives you ten years of protection without daily pills.
- Can you afford a prescription or clinical visit? If cash is tight, the OTC I‑Pill or Yuzpe regimen (if you already have combined pills) might be the only realistic choice.
Remember that none of these methods protect against STIs; keep condoms handy if that’s a concern.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until after vomiting to take the I‑Pill - the dose should be taken as soon as possible; if you vomit within two hours, repeat the dose.
- Mixing emergency pills with hormonal birth‑control started within a month - it can cause irregular bleeding.
- Assuming the copper IUD is a “one‑off” fix - you’ll need a follow‑up visit to confirm placement and to discuss long‑term management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the I‑Pill if I’m already on hormonal birth control?
Yes. Emergency contraception works on top of regular methods. You may experience heavier bleeding, but your regular schedule stays the same.
Is the copper IUD safe for teenagers?
Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the CDC endorse it for anyone who needs long‑term protection, including adolescents. Counseling on insertion pain and menstrual changes is essential.
What’s the biggest difference between levonorgestrel and ulipristal?
Levonorgestrel mainly blocks ovulation, while ulipristal can also delay the luteinizing hormone surge, giving it a longer window of action and higher efficacy at the five‑day mark.
Can I use the Yuzpe regimen if I don’t have combined pills?
You need access to estrogen‑containing pills, so it’s not a stand‑alone option. Most pharmacies will default you to levonorgestrel or ulipristal instead.
Do insurance plans cover the I‑Pill?
Under the ACA, emergency contraception is considered a preventive service, so most plans cover it with no copay. Check your policy details, especially for online or mail‑order pharmacies.
about author
dany prayogo
Wow, another exhaustive chart about emergency contraception – because we all needed a 15‑minute read to figure out how to avoid a pregnancy, right???; the I‑Pill, Ella, copper IUD, Yuzpe regimen – all listed in a table that looks like a spreadsheet from the 1990s, complete with borders that scream "I’m trying too hard". First, let’s marvel at the sheer optimism of the author, boldly stating that levonorgestrel works up to 72 hours, while casually ignoring the fact that most people don’t even know what "levonorgestrel" means without Googling it – adorable. Then, there’s the grand claim that the copper IUD is >99% effective; sure, if you don’t mind a surgical procedure that could cost as much as a small car. The pricing section is a masterpiece of ambiguity: $30‑35 for the I‑Pill? That’s practically a latte, unless you’re living in a bunker. Meanwhile, the copper IUD at $750‑$850 is presented as "often covered" – a gentle reminder that insurance can be as reliable as a weather forecast in June. And let’s not forget the side‑effects: nausea, headache, and a short‑lived change in menstrual timing – because who doesn’t love an unexpected period? The author dutifully mentions that none of these methods protect against STIs, as if that’s an after‑thought. Oh, and the FAQs! Each answer is a paragraph longer than the original question, showcasing the talent for stating the obvious in a verbose fashion. In summary, this guide is a perfect example of how to transform a simple decision‑tree into an academic dissertation, complete with citations that nobody will check, and a tone that oscillates between condescending and overly enthusiastic. Bravo, dear writer, for turning emergency contraception into a literary epic that nobody asked for.