Dear runner316,

Yes. The sooner EC is administered, the better it works. Emergency Contraception (EC) — also known as the "morning after pill" — lowers the risk of pregnancy when started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Specifically, EC needs to be started within five days — or 120 hours — after unprotected intercourse. When started within 72 hours, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent.

EC is one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, and is now available to women over 18 without a prescription. Teens under 18 can still access EC with a prescription.

The best way young women can protect themselves is to get a prescription for EC before an accident happens, and keep it on hand in case they need it. That way, they won't waste time after unprotected intercourse waiting to get an appointment with a health care provider and trying to get a prescription filled. To find out about making an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN, or find us online.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.