You should strongly consider using EBC to prevent unwanted pregnancy in the following situtations:

· You've had sex without any kind of protection.
· You've had unprotected sex and he 'pulled out'.
· You've had sex with a condom and the condom broke.
· You've had sex just before your period and you're late.
· You've been raped (if you've been raped, click here).

If you are already taking regular birth control and forgot to take one of your pills, you should contact your doctor or call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN for more information and instructions.

Remember, you can become pregnant any time during your menstrual cycle. Your chances of becoming pregnant are highest during ovulation, but you can even become pregnant if you have sex while you are still bleeding. There is no such thing as a 'safe' time during your menstrual cycle to have unprotected sex. Any time you have unprotected sex, you should consider using emergency birth control.

EBC should be used only in emergencies, and not as a method of regular birth control. If you are sexually active, you should strongly consider using regular birth control pills. In the long-term, regular birth control pills are easier, safer, more effective, and less expensive than any other kind of birth control.

Also, remember that EBC pills and regular birth control pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV. To protect yourself from STDs you should always use a condom or dental dam whenever you have sex. The bacteria and viruses that cause STDs are contained in bodily fluids. Condoms and dental dams provide a physical barrier that minimizes exchange of bodily fluids during sex, thereby offering some protection from STDs.

There is no way to be 100 percent protected from STDs. Even if you use a condom or a dental dam, it is still possible to contract any diseases your partner has if he or she is infected. You should never have sex with a person without knowing their sexual history, and you should insist on being tested for STDs before having sex in a relationship whenever possible.

STD testing is smart, safe, completely anonymous, and usually free. For more information about where you and you partner can get tested in your area, contact call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN. Also see the Where can I get tested for STDs? FAQ.