The Ultimate Guide to Emergency Contraception Brands and Types

Emergency contraception (EC), or the morning-after pill, can be a great backup. Condom break? Birth control failed? Take a morning-after pill. Accidents can happen after doing the deed, and EC is like your really supportive friend that’s ready to help you figure things out.

But when it comes to EC, there are many options, including Plan B, Morning After Pill®, Ella, and the copper IUD. It can be hard to figure out which one is best in such a short window. Understanding the differences in timing, effectiveness, and accessibility can help you make a confident decision without hesitation.

Every emergency contraception option works a bit differently. Some can be purchased over the counter at your nearest pharmacy or convenience store. In contrast, others require a prescription, and the copper IUD is a medical procedure that requires a doctor's visit. 

But they all aim for the same goal: Preventing pregnancy. Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other options work best when taken right away. Ella allows more time, while the copper IUD offers a hormone-free method for emergency contraception. 

In this guide, we’ll break down Plan B and Morning After Pill® vs. Ella, explore IUD options, and help you match your choice to your needs. 

Understanding the Types of Morning After Pills

Although they all help prevent pregnancy, not all emergency contraceptives are created equal—and that’s important to know.

Here are the three main types you should know:

• Levonorgestrel-based pill (Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other options)
• Ulipristal acetate (Ella)
• Copper IUD, a non-hormonal medical option

Each works differently, which affects how quickly you need to act and what’s accessible to you. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) make it very clear: Timing, body weight, and other medications can all affect how well EC works. 

That’s why it’s important to understand the differences upfront, giving you peace of mind and the confidence to take action.

• Levonorgestrel-based pills like Plan B, Morning After Pill® by Cadence OTC, Take Action, and My Way, are available over-the-counter at your nearest pharmacy or convenience store and can be taken within three days (or 72 hours) after having unprotected sex.
• Ella, containing the active ingredient ulipristal acetate, blocks progesterone’s effects and works up to five days after intercourse—but it does require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
• Copper IUDs (intrauterine devices) are inserted by a healthcare provider within five days of having unprotected sex, but can also last up to 10 years for long-term pregnancy prevention.

Simply put, there’s an option for literally every situation—whether you need something ASAP or want a long-term solution.

Not sure which to choose? Use the quick picker.

Plan B or Morning After Pill® vs. Ella: Key Differences

Now it’s time to compare levonorgestrel vs. ulipristal acetate. Plan B and Ella are the two biggest players in the EC game when it comes to oral contraception.

Here’s how they compare:

Active Ingredients and Mechanism

• Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other EC options contain the active ingredient levonorgestrel, a hormone that delays ovulation. It’s straightforward, effective, and, most importantly, available over the counter for quick access. So, if you’re comparing Morning After Pill® vs. Plan B, don’t overthink it. They’re basically the same medication, just sold under different names.
• Ella contains ulipristal acetate, which blocks progesterone’s effects and works up to five days after having unprotected sex.

What’s great is that both options are FDA-approved, safe, and effective. 

The difference? 

Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other EC options are easily accessible over the counter, while Ella requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Timing and Effectiveness Window

Timing is a big deal when it comes to choosing the right emergency contraception. If you miss that window, it lessens how effective the medication can be when stopping a pregnancy.

Here’s what you need to know about that window for each EC:

• Plan B or Morning After Pill®: Works best within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. Its effectiveness drops a bit each day, so the sooner you take it, the better.
• Ella: It is effective up to five days after doing the deed, making it a great choice if you can’t get the pill immediately. Also, unlike Plan B or Morning After Pill®, research shows that Ella maintains consistent effectiveness throughout that five-day window. Plus, it has a higher effectiveness rate closer to ovulation than levonorgestrel.
• Copper IUD: The device can be inserted up to five days after having unprotected sex. It’s over 99% effective and provides an added benefit of long-term pregnancy prevention.

Access and Prescription Requirements

Accessibility is a big factor when deciding which EC to choose:

• Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other EC: As we’ve mentioned a few times, these pills are available over the counter with no age restrictions and are typically well-stocked in most pharmacies and convenience stores.
• Ella: You'll need a prescription for this one. If you don’t feel like visiting the doctor’s office, several telehealth options are available that can either send the prescription to your pharmacy or deliver it to your doorstep.

So, is Ella better than Plan B or Morning After Pill®? 

If you're a few days past unprotected sex, then yes. But both are reliable when used correctly. The right choice really comes down to access and timing.

FYI: Cadence OTC offers levonorgestrel-based EC online, providing discreet shipping at an affordable price. 

Special Considerations: Weight and Medical Factors

Emergency contraception isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. Your body weight and the medications you take can affect how well emergency contraception works. 

• Body mass index (BMI) considerations: There is no weight limit for Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other EC options. Although some studies suggest it may be less effective for people with higher BMIs or weight, it’s still recommended that you take it. The most important factor is timing: the sooner you take it after doing the deed, the more effective it will be.
• Drug interactions: If you take medications, you have to be careful about what you mix them with. For example, antiepileptic drugs and St. John’s wort can interact with EC tablets, reducing its effectiveness.

If you have any concerns about whether your weight or medications may affect EC’s effectiveness, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They can help you determine which option will provide the best protection.

Copper IUD as an Emergency Option

Let’s not forget about the copper IUD as another EC option. What’s great about it is that it’s not only a long-term birth control method. It’s also the most effective emergency contraception option available—a double whammy.

Here’s what you need to know about this EC:

• Mechanism of action: The copper wire within the device releases copper ions into the uterus, which are super toxic to the sperm. This keeps sperm from fertilizing an egg, thus preventing pregnancy.
• Accessibility: A healthcare provider must insert the IUD, which is typically done at a family planning or OB-GYN office. 
• Effectiveness: This EC is over 99% effective (with perfect use) when placed within five days, meaning that if you take action within that window, you’ll be well-protected.

The copper IUD is a hormone-free method and provides ongoing protection for up to 10 years, making it ideal for those seeking a long-term solution after having unprotected sex. 

The potential downsides? 

You will need to go in person for the procedure, so it’s not as quick as taking a pill. However, it is unbeatable for reliability. You’ll just have to weigh the pros and cons to decide if a copper IUD is right for you. 

Choosing the Right Option for You

With all these options, your head might be spinning trying to figure out which one’s actually right for you. The good news? It mostly comes down to timing, access, and what you feel most comfortable with.

Here’s a chart to help you compare the differences:

Need something ASAP? 

Getting a Plan B, Morning After Pill®, or another EC pill is the best route to take. If it’s been more than three days after you’ve done the deed (or you’re nearing ovulation), Ella might be the better move.  

Seeking long-term, hormone-free protection? 

Look into getting a copper IUD. 

No matter what you decide to go with, the key is to act quickly and choose the method that works best for your timeline, health, and comfort level. If convenience is your top priority, Cadence OTC’s FDA-approved Morning After Pill® can be easily ordered online—discreet, affordable, and ready when you need it.

Compare Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other EC options vs Ella.

Conclusion 

Every emergency contraception method—Plan B, Morning After Pill®, and other EC options, Ella, and the copper IUD shares the same ultimate goal: Preventing pregnancy. Understanding the differences between active ingredients, timing, access, and interactions can help you make the most informed decision with confidence.

Shop Cadence’s FDA-approved Morning After Pill® for discreet, affordable access when you need it most.