A detailed comparison of the I-Pill (levonorgestrel) with other emergency contraception options, covering effectiveness, side effects, cost, and how to choose the right method.
Emergency Contraception: Your Quick Guide
When you need a backup plan after unprotected sex, Emergency Contraception, a method used after intercourse to stop a pregnancy before it starts. Also known as morning after pill, it gives you a chance to avoid an unwanted pregnancy when timing is tight.
How Emergency Contraception Works
Emergency contraception encompasses several approaches that act on different stages of the reproductive cycle. It requires timely use—the sooner you take it, the better the odds of preventing pregnancy. Hormonal pills stop or delay ovulation, while a copper IUD creates an environment that’s hostile to fertilization and implantation.
One of the most common options is Levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone taken as a single or double dose within 72 hours. Studies show it cuts pregnancy risk by about 75 % when taken within the recommended window. The key is to act fast; effectiveness drops sharply after the first day.
Another pill‑based choice is Ulipristal Acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator that works up to 120 hours after sex. It stays effective longer than levonorgestrel and can be a better fit for people who miss the early window. Both pills share similar side effects—nausea, headache, and mild fatigue—but ulipristal tends to cause fewer hormonal swings.
If you prefer a non‑hormonal route, the Copper IUD, a small T‑shaped device inserted by a clinician within five days of intercourse offers the highest failure‑rate protection, under 0.1 %. It also provides ongoing birth control for up to ten years. The downside is a brief period of heavier spotting after insertion, but many users find the long‑term benefit worth it.
Access matters, too. You can buy generic levonorgestrel or ulipristal pills from reputable online pharmacies, but always check for proper licensing and a valid prescription where required. Knowing the brand names—Plan B for levonorgestrel, Ella for ulipristal—helps you compare prices and verify authenticity.
Side effects are usually mild and short‑lived, but certain health conditions (like uncontrolled thyroid disease) may make hormonal options less suitable. In those cases, the copper IUD becomes the go‑to method. Always read the package insert and, if possible, talk to a pharmacist or clinician before you decide.
Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each option, compare costs, explain how to purchase safely, and share real‑world experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quick pill or a longer‑term device, the resources here will help you make an informed choice.