Emergency Contraception Pill (ella)

ella lowers the chance of pregnancy by about 85%. ella works up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex and stays equally effective during that time.

ella works better than Plan B for people who weigh over 165 pounds. However, ella may not work as well for people who weigh over 195 pounds. The Copper IUD is the best choice for people who weigh over 195 pounds.

ella works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which stops or delays ovulation. It does not remove an implanted pregnancy.

You swallow EC pills as soon as possible within 5 days after sex. Your next period may be on time or late. Take a home pregnancy test in 3 weeks to make sure the EC pills worked. Avoid sex (penis-in-the-vagina) until you start a regular birth control method.

If you took Ella:

1) If you want to start or re-start the pill, the mini pill, the skin patch, the vaginal ring, or the shot, you should wait until at least five days after taking Ella. This is because these hormonal methods might make Ella less effective (not work as well to prevent pregnancy after sex).

2) If you are breastfeeding, you should “pump and dump” breast milk until 24 hours after taking Ella. Then you can go back to breastfeeding as normal.

Your period may come early, late, or at the expected time. The period may be heavier, lighter, or more spotty than usual.

ella works for a longer time (5 days) than Plan B (3 days). It works better than Plan B for people who weigh over 165 pounds.

You might have nausea, headache, tiredness, or stomach pain. These side effects usually go away within a day or two.

ella requires a prescription, which may make it harder to get quickly.

ella is very safe. It should not be used by people who are breastfeeding.

No. However, correct use of condoms can prevent HIV and STIs.

ella requires a prescription. You can get a prescription from a health care provider or through some online services. ella costs about $40-$65.