Who can use levonorgestrel for emergency contraception (EC)?
Levonorgestrel can be used by women after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Women who are already pregnant or who have experienced an allergic reaction to a levonorgestrel containing product in the past should not use this form of EC. Women with a history of migraine headaches, smokers over age 35, or other contraindications to the use of combination oral contraceptives may use EC. EC should not be used by women who are already pregnant because it is not effective. If EC is taken by a woman who is already pregnant or becomes pregnant after taking EC, it will not harm the fetus or disrupt the pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider. How effective is levonorgestrel for (EC)? Plan B and Plan B One-Step have been shown to reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within three days (72 hours) of a contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. If taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex, EC may be more effective. One way
