Emergency contraception
Preventing a pregnancy after unprotected sex or a birth control mistake works best the sooner you act. Your clinician reviews your full history and timing — not just today's situation in isolation — to help you get the right option, quickly and without judgment.
Most effective the sooner it's taken after unprotected sex
Available as different options depending on timing and history
A private, judgment-free visit
Visit options
We'll check any insurance and show you your options before you book.
Video Visit
$25
Est. or $100 w/o insurance
Chat Visit
$30
w/o insurance
Most insurance accepted
Board-certified clinicians
No hidden fees
Available nationwide
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception refers to medications used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, a birth control mistake, or a failed method. Options work primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation and are most effective the sooner they're taken after intercourse. They are not the same as, and do not work like, medication used to end an existing pregnancy.
Delays ovulation
Works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation, so there's no egg available to be fertilized.
Time-sensitive effectiveness
Effectiveness drops the longer you wait, so it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
More than one option
Different formulations work for different time windows and body weights — your clinician can help pick the right one.
All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.
We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.
What our customers have to say
“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”
Emerald
“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”
Kaylee
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”
Nika
Talk to a clinician now — timing matters
More women's health care
Frequently asked questions
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraception works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation, so there's no egg available to be fertilized after unprotected sex. It's not effective at ending an already-established pregnancy, and works best the sooner it's taken after the exposure occurred. Your clinician can also discuss ongoing birth control options if you'd like to prevent needing this again.
How soon after unprotected sex should I take emergency contraception?
As soon as possible — effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, and some options are only effective within a specific window, typically 72 to 120 hours, so timing matters significantly for how well it will actually work for you. Insurance and pharmacy availability can also affect which option makes the most sense for you.
Does emergency contraception end an existing pregnancy?
No — it prevents pregnancy from occurring in the first place by delaying ovulation before fertilization can happen. It has no effect on an existing pregnancy and is not the same as a medication abortion, which works through an entirely different mechanism. A follow-up conversation with your clinician can also help if your period doesn't arrive as expected.
Which emergency contraception option is right for me?
Different formulations work best for different timeframes and body weights, and some are more effective than others depending on when you're taking it. Your clinician can help you choose the most effective option based on when the exposure occurred and your health history.
What side effects are associated with emergency contraception?
Nausea, fatigue, and a change in the timing of your next period are common after taking it. These effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few days to a week as your body's hormone levels return to normal over the following one to two cycles.