Emergency Contraception is often referred to as the "morning after pill" because you take it after you've had unprotected or under protected sex.

Emergency Contraception should be used when you've had unprotected or under protected sex (your birth control method failed). It can be taken between 3-5 days after unprotected or under protected sex, but it is most effective if you take it as soon as possible.

Emergency contraception IS NOT the same thing as the abortion pill. Emergency contraception works to prevent pregnancy by either preventing ovulation (an egg being released from the ovary), or fertilization (the egg and the sperm coming together) or preventing the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

If you accidentally take emergency contraception before you know you're pregnant, it won't hurt you or the pregnancy.

There are different types of emergency contraception. Emergency contraception pills include Ella, Next Choice and Plan B One-Step. ParaGard, a copper IUD, can also serve as an emergency contraception if inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and you can use it for highly effective, long acting contraception. You must see a health care provider to get it inserted.

In April 2012, the Supreme Court made emergency contraception available over the counter for women of all ages.

This means that if you are under 17 years old, you will NOT NEED a prescription from a provider.

Emergency contraception SHOULD NOT be used as a long term form of birth control. Emergency contraception is not meant to be used as a continuous form of birth control. It is only for emergencies. ParaGard, the copper IUD, can be used as an emergency contraception and a highly effective, long acting reversible birth control.

There are many places to get emergency contraception. You can go to a local family planning clinic such as Planned Parenthood or any clinic listed under "Get the Goods".

You can also go to a local pharmacy such as Walgreens to get over-the counter Ella, Next Choice or Plan B One-Step.

If you want the ParaGard, you must visit a clinic to have a healthcare provider insert it.

Emergency contraception can range in costs. Most family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood and Healthy Teen Young Adult will have the cost on a sliding scale, however at local pharmacies it will range from $30-65 if you pay for it yourself. Visit www.not-2-late.com or www.plannedparenthood.org for more information.