Missed the 72-Hour Cutoff? the Hour-by-Hour Guide to Emergency Contraception
When the standard 72-hour window closes, the emergency contraception protocol pivots from standard drugstore shelves to prescription medications and clinical procedures. The biological window remains open through hour 120, provided you select the appropriate mechanism.
| Contraceptive Method | Effective Timeframe | Mechanism & Availability | Efficacy Ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan B (Levonorgestrel) | 0, 72 hours (drops after 72) | Over-the-counter; delays follicular release | Drops sharply after 72 hours; reduced over 165 lbs |
| Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) | 0, 120 hours (consistent strength) | Prescription required; progesterone receptor modulator | Maintains ~85% risk reduction up to hour 120; reduced over 195 lbs |
| Copper IUD (Paragard) | 0, 120 hours post-intercourse | Clinical insertion; creates toxic environment for sperm | >99.9% efficacy; zero weight-based performance drop |
| Hormonal IUD (Mirena/Liletta) | 0, 120 hours post-intercourse | Clinical insertion; local levonorgestrel delivery | >99% efficacy; highly effective regardless of weight |
Ella represents the first line of defense if you miss the 72-hour cutoff. Because ulipristal acetate acts as a selective progesterone receptor modulator, it can pause ovulation even after the LH surge has started to rise, a phase where Plan B fails entirely. It maintains consistent potency from hour 1 through hour 120, costing between $40 and $65 through telehealth platforms or local family planning clinics.
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