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Emergency contraception in Alberta: your three options

There are three kinds of emergency contraception in Alberta, and the right one depends on how long it's been, your weight and whether you can get to a clinic. Use any of them as soon as possible.

By Wessam Sakr, BScPharm, RPh

Last updated

Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or when you're not sure you were protected: a condom broke, you missed pills, birth control wasn't used, or there was sex you didn't consent to. It should be used as soon as possible. If you need support, call Health Link at 811.

Everything here comes from MyHealth Alberta. If you have health concerns, are breastfeeding or take other medicines, talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

The three options side by side

Levonorgestrel pill (like Plan B)
No prescription, up to 5 days afterBest within 24 hours, much less effective after 72. Lowers pregnancy risk by 50 to 90%.
Ulipristal pill (like Ella)
Prescription, up to 5 days afterAbout 85%, and just as effective on day 5.
Copper IUD
Put in by a provider, up to 7 days afterThe most effective at 99%, and it keeps working as birth control for 3 to 10 years.

Things that change which one you pick

  • Weight

    Levonorgestrel may not work as well above 75 kg (165 lbs) or a BMI over 25. Ulipristal may not work as well with a BMI over 35. The copper IUD works regardless. But if you can't get an IUD, take a pill anyway.

  • Recent hormonal birth control

    Ulipristal shouldn't be used if you've used hormonal contraception or a levonorgestrel pill in the last 7 days.

  • Never both pills

    Don't take them together or within 7 days of each other. They work less well.

  • Breastfeeding

    All three can be used. With ulipristal, express and discard breast milk for 24 hours, and talk to your healthcare provider.

After you take it

  • Threw up within 2 hours?

    Contact your healthcare provider. You may need another dose.

  • Keep using your regular birth control

    After levonorgestrel, keep using it at the usual time. If you start a new hormonal method, use condoms for 7 days. After ulipristal, wait 5 days before starting hormonal birth control, and use condoms or don't have sex for 12 days.

  • No period within 3 weeks?

    Do a pregnancy test.

  • STIs

    Emergency contraception doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV.

Common questions

Do I need a prescription for emergency contraception in Alberta?

Not for levonorgestrel pills like Plan B, which you can get at most drugstores. Ulipristal (Ella) needs a prescription, and the copper IUD is put in by a healthcare provider.

How long after sex can I take emergency contraception?

Both pills up to 5 days after, and the copper IUD up to 7 days after. Use any of them as soon as possible.

Can I use emergency contraception more than once?

Yes. Repeat use of the pills is safe, but they shouldn't replace regular birth control because they don't work as well and can have more side effects.

Which emergency contraception works best?

The copper IUD, at 99%. Of the pills, ulipristal is more effective than levonorgestrel.

What this relates to