Emergency Contraception (EC) Social Media Toolkit

EC is used within 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

• There are two types of EC: 1) intrauterine devices (IUDs) and 2) EC pills. There are three types of EC pills: 1) ulipristal, 2) progestin-only pills, and 3) combined EC pills.
• An IUD (52mg LNG or copper IUD) inserted up to five days after sex is the most effective EC option, and can provide additional years of highly effective contraception (up to 7 and 12 years, respectively).
• The sooner EC pills are taken, the more likely they are to work. Over the counter EC pills should be taken within 3 days, prescription pills can be taken within 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse. 
• EC does not end a pregnancy. EC prevents pregnancy from occurring. It does not work if pregnancy has already occurred.^1,2,3

• If you're having sex and want to avoid pregnancy, emergency contraception (EC) is a great backup for your primary birth control method. Whether you need it now, or want to have it just in case, give us a call. 📱
• Having sex and want to avoid pregnancy? Get emergency contraception!
• Find free or low cost EC (emergency contraception) near you! 
• Free or low cost emergency contraception…mailed to you! 📪
• Psst…need emergency contraception? We can help!
• The condom broke? Get EC (emergency contraception) ASAP! 
• Don’t wait! Emergency contraception (EC) is most effective if taken within 3 days of unprotected sex. 
• Emergency contraception, or EC, stops or delays ovulation (release of an egg), which can prevent pregnancy if taken within 5 days of having unprotected sex. 
• The most effective emergency contraception is an IUD. Ask us how to get one! 
• An IUD can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex as a form of emergency contraception. Make a same-day appointment! 
• The copper IUD works by making sperm less able to fertilize the egg. It is the most effective emergency contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. Contact us for more information! 
• The hormonal IUD works by thickening of the cervical mucus, which blocks sperm access and impairs mobility. IUDs are the most effective emergency contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. Contact us for more information!
• Some emergency contraceptive (EC) pills may be less effective for individuals over 165 pounds. Regardless of body weight, the most effective form of EC is an IUD! 
• Over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills may be less effective for people who weigh over 165 pounds. A prescription EC pill or IUD may work better. We can hook you up! 
• Questions about emergency contraception (EC)? We have answers! Contact us. 
• Emergency contraception can be used after sex to prevent pregnancy.
• There are several types of emergency contraception, or EC, including some that don’t need a prescription. Ask us about your options!

For more information and sample social media content:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists EC FAQs 
• American Society for Emergency Contraception Factsheets 
• EC Information for Teens
• EC Webpage Every Body Texas (English)
• AE Webpage Every Body Texas (Spanish)
• EC Patient Guide, Every Body Texas (English)
• AE Patient Guide Every Body Texas (Spanish)

1. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/emergency-contraception
2. ACOG Practice Bulletin Number 152 (Replaces Practice Bulletin Number 112, May 2010. Reaffirmed 2022)
3. Turok DK, et al. N Engl J Med 2021; 384:335-344

Thank you to Geoffray Strategies, LLC and Every Body Texas for their generous sharing of content and expertise for this resource. 

This toolkit was supported by the Office of Population Affairs (Grant FPTPA006030). The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.