If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or the condom broke, you might be feeling anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, and thinking about emergency contraception.

Commonly sold as Plan B One-Step and ella®, emergency contraception may reduce the chance of pregnancy. These medications are reported to work in several possible ways: Delaying ovulation, blocking sperm from joining with an egg, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting – some may consider this a very early abortion.

Emergency contraception does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and there are potential risks and side effects to be considered.