Making Healthy Sexual Decisions:

Emergency Contraception

Intro	Emergency Contraception
Talking With Your Partner	Sexual Orientation
Getting Advice & What to Ask	Quiz: Are You Ready for Sex?

What happens if my partner forgets her birth control method or the condom breaks?

If your partner forgets her birth control method or the condom breaks, she has an option called emergency contraception, also known as the "morning-after pill". Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Both males and females age 17 or older can buy it at a pharmacy. Call ahead to make sure they carry it and ask about the cost. If you are 16 years old or younger OR you don't want to buy emergency contraception yourself, you may be able to get it from your health care provider, or a Family Planning Clinic such as Planned Parenthood at a low cost. For more information about EC, you can call Planned Parenthood at: 1-800-230-PLAN, or visit the Emergency Contraception website.

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Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/19/2011