The Ashe Center remains available to support all students' reproductive healthcare needs
What You Need to Know about Emergency Contraception
Accidents happen, and if you find yourself in a situation where your regular contraception failed or you had unprotected sex, emergency contraception (EC) can help prevent pregnancy. Available over-the-counter without a prescription for most people, EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse—ideally within 72 hours, though some methods can be used up to 5 days after.
Our Emergency Contraception (EC) Program
You may be a candidate to receive emergency contraception (the “morning after pill”) without an office visit through this program. In order to be eligible, you must have had unprotected intercourse, and you must be able to obtain and take the medicine less than 72 hours (3 days) after having intercourse. Please do not use this program if:
• You had intercourse more than 72 hours ago, or
• It is a weekend or holiday and The Ashe Center is closed
If it is a weekend or holiday or the Ashe Center is closed, you can purchase emergency contraception without a prescription at any pharmacy. Or you can contact Live Health Online for a Telemedicine appointment.
If you had unprotected intercourse between 72 and 120 hours ago (3-5 days) or BMI greater than 30, there are alternate methods of emergency contraception available, (called “Ella”) and you would need to make an in person or telehealth appointment to receive that prescription.
Please call (310) 825-4073 to make an appointment.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you can obtain emergency contraception through your Patient Portal; however we strongly encourage you to see your Ashe Center clinician, or contact the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center 24-hour Emergency Care at (424) 259-7208.
When you log into your Patient Portal:
- You will be asked a few questions about your risk of unintentional pregnancy.
- A nurse will review your answers, evaluate whether you are a candidate for emergency contraception.
- Finally, you will receive a secure message with instructions.
Emergency contraception is not 100% effective. Being overweight or obese may decrease the effectiveness of EC pills. Please take a pregnancy test 2 weeks after receiving emergency contraception. You can also request a pregnancy test through the Patient Portal.
For more information, read Facts on Emergency Contraception.
Five Myths about Plan B
The Plan B pill works best when you take it within 3 days after unprotected sex. Like all morning-after pills, take Plan B ASAP after unprotected sex. You can get Plan B at your local drugstore or pharmacy.
Bruin Health Pharmacy
Grand Ackerman Union, A-Level
A full range of prescription medications (such as Plan B) in addition to over 70 over-the-counter medications available to students and faculty and staff with qualifying insurance plans.
UCSHIP Students: Plan B is $0 with a prescription.
For UCSHIP Students:
At The Ashe Center, we’re committed to making sure you have access to the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Emergency contraception is safe, widely accessible, and a critical tool for preventing an unintended pregnancy.
Need help? Our health center can provide more details, guidance on your options, and even prescribe or supply emergency contraception. Don’t hesitate to reach out—your health and well-being are our priority.
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Call The Ashe Center phone line: 310-825-4703, Option 2
Plan B is completely covered ($0) by UCSHIP insurance with a prescription from your doctor.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Option
Vending Machine Access to Birth Control
ASUCLA, Bruin Health Pharmacy, and The Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center have partnered with UCLA Vending Services to install a special vending machine in Ackerman A-Level. The main goal of the machine is to offer students with cheaper, more convenient access to birth control products, in addition to providing educational materials on sexual health and campus resources. The cost for Plan B in the vending machine is $20.