Emergency contraception (EC) is used as a back-up birth control method to prevent pregnancy in the event of unprotected sex, sexual assault, or a contraceptive failure, such as a condom breaking. This includes oral medication options and an intrauterine device.

Some types of emergency contraception include intrauterine devices (IUD), over-the-counter oral contraceptive pills, and prescription combined estrogen and progestin pills. Examples of the over-the-counter contraceptive pills include levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) and ulipristal (ella).

Emergency contraceptive pills are hormone-containing pills that are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, a missed contraceptive pill, or if another contraception method is compromised (i.e. a condom breaks, IUD device falls out). There are two FDA-approved over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) available: ulipristal acetate (ella) and levonorgestrel (ex: Plan B One-Step, Take Action).

Emergency contraceptive pills help prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation. They do not terminate a pregnancy. They also do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency contraception could help to prevent pregnancy if you had unprotected sex, a missed contraceptive pill, or if another barrier method is compromised. It is best to use Emergency Contraceptive Pills as soon as possible. Ella is effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex, whereas levonorgestrel based pills (e.g. Plan B One-Step) is effective for up to 3 days after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective these medications will be.

When taken as instructed, emergency contraceptive pills can be effective at preventing pregnancy. For the emergency contraceptive pill, many factors impact the how well they work, including BMI (Body Mass Index) and how soon you take it after unprotected sex.

Yes, being overweight (BMI 25-30) or being a person with obesity (BMI >30) can decrease the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills, especially for Plan B One-Step. If you are overweight or obese, it is recommended that you speak to a healthcare professional as they will be best equipped to provide the recommended emergency contraception method based on your individual history.

No, emergency contraception should not be taken as regular form of birth control.

Side effects of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) can include irregular periods, spotting, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. If vomiting occurs within 2 hours (for levonorgestrel) or 3 hours (for ulipristal) of taking oral ECP, consider repeating the dose or speaking to a healthcare professional.

Birth control, also called contraception, refers to any medicine, method, or device a person uses to prevent pregnancy. Examples include combination oral contraception pills, progestin-only oral contraception pills, transdermal patches, transvaginal rings, diaphragms, and condoms. Not all birth control methods are equally effective, and not all prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. A medical professional can help you decide which birth control method is best for you.

Minor side effects of oral contraceptive pills may include nausea, headaches, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness or enlargement, missed periods, weight gain, mood changes and vaginal discharge.

Depending on the type of hormone that is used, hormonal contraceptives may prevent pregnancy by stopping or reducing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which helps block sperm from reaching the egg) and thinning the lining of your uterus.

Some birth control methods are prescribed by doctors to treat hormonal acne. Birth control pills work by controlling the factors that produce excess sebum, which can clog pores and lead to acne.

Some people find their acne improves while on oral contraceptive pills. A healthcare provider can help you decide if this treatment is right for you.

Birth control (BC) pills prevent pregnancy by blocking conception (when sperm fertilizes an egg). BC pills may also prevent pregnancy by preventing or reducing ovulation, cause changes to the uterine lining, and thickening the cervical mucus.

There are various types of birth control methods:

Reversible methods:
An intrauterine contraception device (IUD), is a reversible method. An IUD is a small device, placed inside the uterus by your doctor to prevent pregnancy. Two types of IUDs are available: a hormone-releasing IUD and a copper-containing IUD.

Hormonal methods:
Hormonal methods may prevent pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation, creating changes to the cervical mucus and/or creating changes to the uterine lining.

Options for hormonal methods:

• A hormone-releasing IUD is implanted into the uterus by your doctor for continuous contraception.
• A long-acting injection containing hormones is given every 3 years.
• A patch is worn on the skin, which releases hormones. It is worn for 3 weeks, removed for 1 week, then a new patch is applied.
• A hormonal vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina. It is worn for 3 weeks, removed for 1 week, then a new ring is inserted.
• Oral pills taken daily can contain a single or a combination of hormones.

Barrier methods:
Common barrier methods include the male condom and the female condom, which prevent sperm from entering the woman’s body. Other available options are a diaphragm or cervical cap, a sponge and spermicides.

There is a wide range of options for birth control. A healthcare provider will be able to discuss what works best for you, according to your individual needs.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection to any part of the urinary tract, which can include your kidneys, bladder, and urethra (the tube that that allows urine to leave your bladder and exit your body). UTIs can occur when bacteria enters the urethra and spreads to the bladder. There are two types of UTIs: the most common type is a bladder infection; the other type is a kidney infection which is less common. UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. A healthcare provider can help you decide which treatment is right for you.

Symptoms of the most common type of UTI, a bladder infection, may include pain or burning while urinating, frequent urination, feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder, bloody urine, or pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen. It may also be possible to have a UTI without any symptoms at all. Symptoms such as fever, chills, or severe fatigue may be a sign of a more serious infection such as a kidney infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

In-person visits are not always required for the diagnosis of a bladder infection (the most common type of UTI). However, if you are having symptoms that might indicate a more serious infection (e.g. nausea, vomiting, pain below the ribs, fever, chills, or unusual vaginal discharge), or are pregnant or breastfeeding, an in-person appointment with a provider is recommended.

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) and cephalexin (Keflex) are some medications that may be prescribed for UTIs. To understand what treatment option is best for you, speak to a healthcare professional.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend you see a healthcare provider to discuss your individual situation for your care.

Most UTIs with symptoms rarely resolve on their own. If you are experiencing UTI symptoms, it is important to seek treatment. Sometimes asymptomatic bacteriuria, which is a UTI without symptoms, can go away on its own but it is always recommended to take next steps under the guidance of a healthcare professional.