Women are preparing for the chance of emergency contraceptives becoming harder to access in the near future. From obtaining to storing emergency contraceptives, here are a few ways to prepare.
Do you feel like the world’s been a little unpredictable lately? We completely understand. Since November 2024, there’s been an uptick in people stocking up on emergency contraceptives—and honestly, it makes complete sense. Google searches for things like “birth control” and “Plan B” doubled right after the election. And get this: searches for the “morning-after pill” more than doubled! These trends in Google searches are not random—it’s a sign that people are preparing for the very real possibility of restricting contraceptives and birth control options.
So, if you’re wondering, “Do I need to keep an extra emergency contraceptive packet at home just to be on the safe side?” then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more about emergency contraceptives and why it's helpful to have a backup dose - just in case.
What is Emergency Contraception?
Before we go any further, let’s discuss what emergency contraception is. Emergency contraceptives (EC) are over-the-counter or prescription medications you take after a “whoopsie” while doing the deed, such as a broken condom or missed birth control pill, to help prevent conceiving a pregnancy.
You’re likely familiar with Plan B One-Step, but there are other effective emergency contraceptives out there, like the Morning After Pill® by Cadence OTC and Take Action. These all work the same way: by delaying the release of your egg and thereby avoiding fertilization.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), EC can safely and effectively reduce the risk of pregnancy if used properly. Just think of it as your back-up plan—not your everyday method, but a pretty good alternative to have in your cabinet, or with you, when things go awry.
Now, let’s be clear: emergency contraceptives are completely different from an abortion pill. ECs are designed to prevent pregnancy from occurring in the first place by preventing conception. On the other hand, abortion pills—a combo of mifepristone and misoprostol—are used to end a pregnancy that has already been conceived. These are typically used within the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Keep Emergency Contraceptives Handy?
The short answer? Yes. It’s completely safe to keep an extra dose or two of the morning-after pill. They can be confidently used up until the expiration date, and should not be used after their expiration date.
Benefits of Keeping an Extra Dose of the Morning-After Pill at Home
Keeping an extra dose of the morning-after pill at home isn’t just a really smart decision—it’s very empowering. Life can be very unpredictable, and being prepared means you won’t have to scramble to get what you need.
So, without further ado, here are the benefits of storing emergency contraceptives
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Flexibility: Whether traveling across the country or just staying at a friend’s place, having EC on hand makes a world of difference. Luckily, Cadence OTC’s Morning After Pill® is available online and at select convenience stores so that you can stock up on it however and whenever needed.
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Timely access in emergencies: Emergency contraceptives work best when you take them right after unprotected sex. Having a pill or two in your drawer means you’re not running to a convenience store or waiting for a delivery when the clock’s ticking.
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Privacy and peace of mind: Let’s be honest—most people aren’t too comfortable explaining their situation to a pharmacist or even a loved one. You might even feel a little weird about getting stares from others while in the family planning aisle. Keeping a dose at home can prevent these awkward situations and gives you more control over your own reproductive health, no questions asked.
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Avoids delays: Pharmacy closures, pills being out of stock, and shipping issues are a few hiccups that could occur while trying to get EC. Having a backup tucked away helps you avoid these unpredictable inconveniences.
Here’s a nice tidbit to keep in mind: All Morning After Pills® purchased on the CadenceOTC website come with an expiration date replacement guarantee at no cost to you. This means that if the Cadence OTC Morning After Pill® purchased online expires before you use it, we have you covered. Our NoExpiration Date Guarantee will replace your expired package for free. No kidding- no stress and no money down the drain. This guarantee also applies to our EarlyPT™ Early Result Pregnancy Test.
To receive your replacement pack(s), you’ll be asked to provide:
- The name used to make the online purchase
- Two clear photos of the expired product
- 1. Pack with the unused pill, and
- 2. Carton showing the expiration date at the bottom of the carton
How to Store Emergency Contraceptives
CadenceOTC’s Morning After Pill® has a shelf life of two years. As long as it’s stored properly, you’ll be fine. Here are some tips on storing emergency contraceptives:
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Store at room temperature: You want to keep these pills in a place around 68–77°F. If a storage spot feels comfortable to you, it’s probably okay to keep your EC there.
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Keep it in a cool, dry place: A bedside drawer or hall closet are a few places to store morningafter pills. You’ll want to avoid areas with high humidity, like your bathroom shelf, as moisture doesn’t mix well with this medication.
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Avoid heat and sunlight: Don’t leave it in your car, your bag on a hot day, or anywhere your EC could get overheated.
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Leave it in its original packaging: Don’t open the blister pack until you're ready to take the pill, as that packaging is designed to protect it.
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Check the expiration date frequently: Make it a habit to review the expiration date every year using a phone reminder. You’d hate to be in a situation when you really need it and then realize it’s expired.
Emergency Contraceptive Alternatives
While emergency contraception does a great job of preventing pregnancy, it’s not something you should use for regular birth control. If you need long-term protection, here are some better alternatives to consider:
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Regular prescription-only birth control pills: A daily two-hormone pill that can help prevent pregnancy and also help regulate your period. FDA research shows this method of birth control is 93% effective.
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OTC birth control pills, such as Opill: Opill is a daily one-hormone pill that can help prevent pregnancy
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Intrauterine devices (IUDs): A small, T-shaped device inserted into your uterus that provides long-term birth control. According to Cleveland Clinic, IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can provide protection for up to 10 years or more, depending on the type.
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The shot: A hormone injection delivered every three months to prevent pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic states that with typical use, about 6 out of 100 people may become pregnant during the first year of using Depo-Provera—but the risk is much lower for those who receive the shot every three months as recommended.
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The ring: With a 99% success rate, Planned Parenthood explains the ring as a small, flexible ring that’s inserted into the vagina every month that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
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The patch: The patch is a thin, adhesive strip worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy and is replaced once a week. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it has a failure rate of less than 1% when used correctly and consistently.
As you consider long-term birth control, you may also want to grab CadenceOTC’s EarlyPT™ Early Result Pregnancy Test. Having one on hand can provide peace of mind in case of a missed period.
How Cadence OTC Can Help
You shouldn’t have to go through any hurdles to get emergency contraception. You deserve medication that’s easy to get, simple to use, and actually works, and that’s where Cadence OTC comes in.
Here are the benefits of choosing Cadence OTC for your reproductive health needs:
- Accessibility: Whether shopping online or grabbing a quick snack at a convenience store, Cadence OTC’s Morning After Pill is never far from reach. Find in store.
- Affordability: No prescription, appointment, or surprise fees–just reliable protection at a reasonable price.
- Trusted and effective: The morning-after pill is FDA-approved and designed to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
- Made for real life: From discreet packaging to easy ordering, this emergency contraceptive pill is built to make your life easier and your options clearer.
The Morning After Pill® is also FSA/HSA eligible, so you can purchase and keep it on hand when needed. Buy now.
If access to contraceptives becomes harder in the future, it’s wise to keep an extra dose of the morning-after pill handy so you’re prepared for whatever life throws at you. Whether it’s a birth control slip-up or a legislative shake-up, you deserve reliable, private, and quick access to emergency contraception.
Don’t let the possibility of restricted access to birth control scare you. Be prepared for the unexpected by ordering your Morning After Pill® today.
