Lapeer · Rochester Hills · Telehealth
Emergency
Contraception
Your Options After Unprotected Intercourse — What Works, When, and How
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Understanding which option is most effective in your specific situation — and that the most effective option is available at a gynecologist’s office — matters for the outcome.
Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD, PhD, FACOG provides emergency contraception counseling and the copper IUD as emergency contraception at both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices.
Board-certified gynecology & minimally invasive surgery · Most major insurances accepted
Serving Lapeer County & Oakland County
Emergency contraception (EC) works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation — preventing fertilization from occurring. It does not end an established pregnancy and is not an abortifacient. It is most effective when used as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse and becomes less effective as time passes. The three main options differ significantly in their effectiveness, mechanism, timing window, and accessibility.
Copper IUD (Paragard) — Most Effective Option
Effectiveness: >99.9% when inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse — the most effective emergency contraceptive available. How it works: The copper IUD prevents fertilization through the spermicidal effect of copper ions. It works even if ovulation has already occurred. Additional benefit: Provides ongoing highly effective contraception for up to 10 years. Timing: Must be inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. Who it is best for: Any woman who also wants ongoing contraception and has no contraindications to IUD placement. For women who want the most effective emergency contraception available, the copper IUD is the clear choice.
Ulipristal Acetate (ella) — Most Effective Oral Option
Effectiveness: Approximately 98% effective within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, with effectiveness maintained throughout the 5-day window unlike levonorgestrel. How it works: A selective progesterone receptor modulator that delays or inhibits ovulation. Availability: Requires a prescription. Consideration: Should not be used if the woman is breastfeeding, and effectiveness may be reduced if hormonal contraception is started immediately after. Who it is best for: Women seeking the most effective oral emergency contraceptive; women using ella should delay starting hormonal contraception for 5 days after use.
Levonorgestrel (Plan B and Generics) — Most Widely Available
Effectiveness: Approximately 89% effective when taken within 72 hours; effectiveness declines over time and is significantly reduced if taken after 72 hours. May be less effective in women weighing more than 165 lbs. How it works: High-dose progestin delays ovulation. Availability: Available over the counter without prescription or age requirement. Who it is best for: Women who need emergency contraception within 72 hours and do not have access to a prescription or provider visit. For women over 165 lbs or needing EC after 72 hours, ella or the copper IUD are more effective options.
All forms of emergency contraception are more effective the sooner they are used after unprotected intercourse. If you need the copper IUD as emergency contraception:
- Contact our office immediately — same-day insertion is available when the clinical situation requires it
- The window for EC insertion is 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse
Emergency contraception is a component of comprehensive reproductive health care — not a reflection of carelessness or poor judgment. It is a clinical tool that prevents unintended pregnancy after a contraceptive failure or unprotected encounter. At Lapeer Women’s Health, it is offered without judgment as part of comprehensive reproductive health services.
If you need emergency contraception — including the copper IUD as the most effective option — contact our Lapeer or Rochester Hills office. No referral required.
Same-day appointments available for EC including copper IUD insertion at both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices. No referral required.
Schedule a Gynecologic VisitEducational purposes only. Not medical advice. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.