How to Get Emergency Contraception
Last updated September 10, 2026.
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Plan B and generic versions are available over the counter at pharmacies with no age limit. Ella requires a prescription, and a copper IUD inserted by a provider is the most effective option.
Over the counter: Plan B and generics
Plan B One-Step and generic levonorgestrel pills are available without a prescription at most pharmacies, drugstores, and online retailers. You do not need to show ID or have a prescription. They work best when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but effectiveness drops each day.
Generic versions like My Way, Take Action, and Aftera contain the same active ingredient as Plan B and work the same way. Prices range from $11 for generics at some retailers to $50 for Plan B. Many stores keep them on the shelf in the family planning aisle. Some pharmacies still keep them behind the counter, but you can ask without a prescription.
Levonorgestrel pills are less effective if you weigh over 155 pounds and may not work if you weigh over 195 pounds. If you fall into these ranges, consider ella or a copper IUD instead.
Prescription option: ella
Ella (ulipristal acetate) requires a prescription from a doctor, nurse practitioner, or online telehealth service. It works for up to 120 hours after unprotected sex and is more effective than levonorgestrel, especially between 72 and 120 hours.
Ella is also more effective for people who weigh over 155 pounds. You can get a prescription from a clinic, urgent care, your primary care provider, or telehealth platforms that offer emergency contraception consults. The pill itself costs $50 to $70, and telehealth consults typically add $15 to $40.
Ella may be less effective if you take it within a few days of using regular hormonal birth control. Talk to the prescriber if you recently used birth control pills, patches, or rings.
Most effective option: copper IUD
A copper IUD inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days of unprotected sex is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It works for more than 99% of people and provides ongoing birth control for up to 10 years.
You need an appointment at a family planning clinic, OB-GYN office, or community health center. The insertion takes about 15 minutes. Costs range from $0 with insurance or Medicaid to $500 to $1,300 without insurance. Many family planning clinics offer sliding scale fees based on income.
The copper IUD does not contain hormones. It prevents pregnancy by changing the way sperm move and preventing fertilization. Side effects can include heavier periods and cramping for the first few months.
Where to get it
Plan B and generics are sold at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, and many grocery stores. You can also order them online from Amazon, Nurx, Wisp, and other retailers. Online orders typically arrive within 2 to 5 days, so order in advance if possible.
For ella or a copper IUD, start with Planned Parenthood, a local health center, or your regular provider. You can find community health centers through HRSA's search tool at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Some telehealth services can prescribe ella and send it to your local pharmacy the same day.
If you have questions about which option fits your situation, you can text a free AI doctor consult at Pymander Health to talk through timing, costs, and where to go.
Timing and effectiveness
All emergency contraception works best the sooner you take it. Plan B and generics are most effective within 24 hours, with effectiveness dropping to about 60% by 72 hours. Ella remains about 85% effective through 120 hours.
A copper IUD is more than 99% effective through 5 days and does not lose effectiveness over that window. If you are outside the timing window for pills, a copper IUD is your remaining option.
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If exposure to an STI is a concern, get tested at a clinic or your doctor's office within a few weeks.
Costs and insurance coverage
Plan B generics cost $11 to $25 without insurance at retailers like Amazon, Costco, and some grocery stores. Plan B brand costs $40 to $50. Most insurance plans cover emergency contraception with a prescription, which means ella and sometimes Plan B are fully covered if you get a prescription first.
If you have Medicaid, Plan B and ella are typically covered with no copay. A copper IUD is also covered with no cost sharing under most Medicaid and private insurance plans when inserted for contraception.
Without insurance, family planning clinics may offer free or reduced cost emergency contraception based on income. Some states have programs that provide it at no cost. Call 211 or visit your local health center to ask about assistance.
Common questions
Can I buy Plan B without a prescription?
Yes. Plan B and generic levonorgestrel emergency contraception are available over the counter at most pharmacies, drugstores, and online with no prescription or age restriction. You do not need to show ID.
How long after unprotected sex can I take emergency contraception?
Plan B and generics work up to 72 hours after unprotected sex but are most effective within 24 hours. Ella works up to 120 hours (5 days). A copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after and is the most effective option during that window.
Does Plan B work if I weigh over 155 pounds?
Plan B and levonorgestrel generics are less effective for people who weigh over 155 pounds and may not work at all over 195 pounds. Ella and the copper IUD are better options if you fall into these weight ranges.
How much does emergency contraception cost?
Generic levonorgestrel pills cost $11 to $25 at many retailers. Plan B brand costs $40 to $50. Ella costs $50 to $70 plus a telehealth or clinic visit. A copper IUD ranges from $0 with insurance to $500 to $1,300 without.
Where can I get a copper IUD for emergency contraception?
You can get a copper IUD at Planned Parenthood, community health centers, OB-GYN offices, or family planning clinics. Use the HRSA health center locator at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to find a clinic near you that offers IUD insertion.
Can I get ella the same day?
Yes, if you use a telehealth service or visit a clinic that can write a prescription and send it to your pharmacy electronically. Some services offer same-day prescriptions. Call your local pharmacy first to confirm they have ella in stock.
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Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.