The morning-after pill, also known as emergency contraception, is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when there is a problem with birth control, such as a broken condom. It may be taken up to 120 hours after sex, but it is most effective within 72 hours of sex.

The morning-after pill contains high levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The hormones work in a number of ways to prevent pregnancy: they may delay ovulation (the release of an egg during a female’s monthly cycle), affect the development of the uterine lining, and prevent the fertilization process.

This is not an abortion pill, so it will not work if you are already pregnant. In Nevada, if you are 17 years or older you or your partner can buy the morning-after pill at a pharmacy without a prescription. The morning-after pill is also available at health district’s family planning clinics, where no appointment is needed.