Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe treatment to help prevent pregnancy in adolescent girls and adult women who have had unprotected sex. EC works before a woman’s body ovulates, preventing the release of an egg. However, it doesn’t guarantee that pregnancy is prevented. EC can be used within 3-5 days of sexual intercourse, depending on the type of pill.

It’s important to remember that EC doesn’t continue to protect against pregnancy during the rest of the menstrual cycle. You should use a barrier method, such as a condom until her next period. The best way to prevent pregnancy is to use a regular birth control method, such as condoms or birth control pills, or to NOT have intercourse.