emergency contraception
There are a few different options for emergency contraception after an incident of unprotected consensual sex or an assault. Emergency contraception is a safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected consensual sex or an assault. This section explains different types of emergency contraception, their effectiveness, and where they can be purchased.
Copper iud
The Paragard (copper) IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception. If the copper IUD is inserted within 5 days of an incident of unprotected consensual sex or an assault, the chances of getting pregnant lowers by more than 99.9%. The IUD then continues to work as birth control for up to 12 years, or until it is taken out. The copper IUD also is effective, no matter how much a person weighs, which is not necessarily true for other methods of emergency contraception.
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The copper IUD must be inserted by a doctor or nurse. The IUD is inserted into a person's uterus, and begins working right away. A person can get the IUD from their primary care physician's office or gynecologist. People can also get the IUD from the La Crosse Planned Parenthood. Their phone number is: (800)-657-5177.
Their address is:
1210 Caledonia Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
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UWL or WTC students can also get the IUD implanted at the Student Health Center with an appointment. Appointments can be made online or by calling (608-785-8558).
Their address is:
1300 Badger Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
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ella
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ella is an emergency contraception pill that reduces the risk of pregnancy by 85% if it is taken within 5 days of unprotected consensual sex or an assault. Unlike other emergency contraception pills, ella does not get less effective within those 5 days; it is just as effective 5 days after unprotected consensual sex or an assault as it is the day after. ella is also more effective for people who weigh more than 155 pounds than other emergency contraception pills, but may not be as effective for people who weigh more than 195 pounds.
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ella does require a prescription, which can be gotten from a doctor.
People can also get ella from the La Crosse Planned Parenthood.
Their phone number is: (800)-657-5177.
Their address is:
1210 Caledonia Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
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People can also get ella online here. There is a quick online medical consultation process and prescription and next-day delivery.
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ella usually costs around $50.00 when purchased at the drug store or pharmacy. It can cost more when purchased online.
plan b
Plan B is the easiest form of emergency contraception to access. It is a pill that reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% if taken within the first 3 days after unprotected consensual sex or an assault. The sooner someone takes Plan B (or another levonorgestrel emergency contraception pill) the more effective it is. Plan B may not be effective if the person taking it is 155 pounds or more. Plan B can be purchased over-the-counter at most drug stores or pharmacies, and usually costs about $45.00-$50.00.
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Plan B can also be purchased at the La Crosse Planned Parenthood.
Their phone number is: (800)-657-5177.
Their address is:
1210 Caledonia Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
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For UWL or WTC students, it can also be purchased at the Student Health Center.
Their phone number is: (608-785-8558).
Their address is:
1300 Badger Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
This video summarizes the different types of emergency contraception
Sources:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception
https://www.uwlax.edu/student-health-center/contraceptive-details/
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Additional Resources:
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Planned Parenthood
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Planned Parenthood's webpage describes the different types emergency contraception, how they work, and ​any potential side effects with each type of emergency contraception. The information in this webpage is an overview, so please visit Planned Parenthood for more detailed and specific information.
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