There are two forms of EC: the EC pill and ParaGard IUD.

The most common for of the EC pill are pills with a hormonal medicine called levonorgestrel. The brand names for this type of pill include: Plan B One Step, Take Action, MyWay, AfterPill, among others. This form of EC can reduce your chance of getting pregnant by 75-89% when taken within 3 days of unprotected sex. These EC packages include 1 pill which should be taken right away. These EC pills can be obtained over-the-counter and a prescription is not required.  It is important to note that if you are over 165 lbs, this form of EC may be less effective and you may want to use ella or the ParaGard IUD instead.

Another form of an emergency contraceptive is a pill with the brand name “ella.” ella is the most effective type of morning-after pill but requires a prescription from a medical provider. ella reduces the chances of getting pregnant by 85% if taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. ella is just as effective when taken on day 5 as it is on day 1. ella is less effective if you are over 195 lbs, and you may want to consider using a ParaGard IUD as EC.

The most effective form of EC is the ParaGard IUD, which is almost 100% effective regardless of body weight when used within 5 days of unprotected sex. The ParaGard IUD is placed in the uterus by a medical provider and can be used for ongoing contraception. Call to make an appointment with your medical provider as soon as you realize you need this form of EC, as it may be hard to get an appointment. For more information about IUDs, click here. 

Taking an EC pill 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.

EC in the form of the pill "ella" is also available by prescription through Health Services. You can schedule an appointment with a provider by calling 401.863-3953.

Health Services now provides ParaGard IUD insertion. You can schedule an appointment with a provider by calling 401.863-3953. Be sure to mention that you need an expedited appointment for emergency contraception purposes.

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 Health Services, 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.