There are two types of EC: the combined EC and the progestin-only EC. Combined EC, such as "Preven," has a combination of two hormones: progestin and estrogen -- the same hormones that are found in birth control pills. The combined hormone EC pills have a 75% effectiveness rate.

The second type of EC is a progestin-only medication, such as "Plan B". The only hormone in these pills is progestin. Because of this, you will have a lower chance of experiencing side effects. Progestin-only EC also has a higher effectiveness rate than the combination pills at 89%. Plan B is the most commonly available brand of EC.

EC is effective if taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take the pills the better your chance of preventing pregnancy. 

Taking EC may alter the timing of the your next period. Menstrual bleeding may begin a few days earlier or a few days later than would have been expected. If menstrual bleeding does not begin within 3 weeks after taking EC, contact your medical provider to discuss pregnancy testing or alternative reasons for not beginning a period. 

If you are a Brown student, you can go directly to the Health Services Pharmacy to purchase EC for a cost of $30 (plus tax). (This is a discounted price as compared to drugstores and other locations where the cost will be closer to $50). No ID is required to purchase EC. If you have Brown's student health insurance (SHIP), you can probably get the cost of your EC covered in full. If you have other insurance, you may be able to get reimbursed. When you get your EC at the pharmacy, we will give you the information you need to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Resources off-campus
EC is available at local pharmacies, health care clinics or a hospital emergency department. The closest pharmacy to campus is the CVS on Wayland Square (481 Angell Street, 401.521-4340) and the nearest clinic is Planned Parenthood (111 Point Street, 401.421-9620). You can also check online or in the Providence phone book for phone numbers and addresses of other local pharmacies or health care facilities.

If you are away from the Providence area, or if you want more information about EC:
You can get the name of the EC providers nearest you by calling the emergency contraception hotline: 1-800-NOT-2-LATE or looking them up on the website. You can also call 1-800-230-PLAN to find the Planned Parenthood Health Center nearest you, or look up the nearest clinic on their website. EC is also available at public health centers, private doctors, and hospital emergency rooms.