Emergency Contraception in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. In Grand Rapids, MI, you can access emergency contraception through local pharmacies, urgent care centers, and major health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Emergency contraception is not an abortion and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

When You Might Need Emergency Contraception

You may consider emergency contraception if:

• You had sex without using contraception
• A condom broke, slipped off, or leaked
• You missed birth control pills or took them late
• Your vaginal ring, patch, or implant was not used correctly
• You were forced to have sex (sexual assault)

In Grand Rapids, if sexual assault is involved, you can seek urgent care at:

• Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital Emergency Department
• Trinity Health Grand Rapids Emergency Department

Both can provide emergency contraception and connect you with sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) and counseling services.

Types of Emergency Contraception Available

There are two main types of emergency contraception used in the United States and available in Grand Rapids:

1. Copper intrauterine device (IUD) – non-hormonal, placed by a clinician
2. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs or “morning after pills”)
   • Ulipristal acetate (brand: ella)
   • Levonorgestrel (multiple brands, often sold over the counter)

1. Copper IUD (Non-Hormonal IUD)

• Must be inserted within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
• Effectiveness: more than 99% in preventing pregnancy
• Provides ongoing contraception for up to 10 years
• Does not contain hormones

In Grand Rapids, copper IUD insertion is typically available through:

• OB/GYN and family medicine clinics at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
• Local Planned Parenthood and community health clinics
• Some student health centers and federally qualified health centers

You must make an appointment with a doctor or specially trained nurse to have a copper IUD inserted.

2. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (“Morning After Pills”)

There are two main types:

Ulipristal Acetate (ella)

• Can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex
• More effective than levonorgestrel, especially closer to day 5
• Available by prescription in the U.S.
• You may need to see a provider at:
  • Primary care or OB/GYN offices in Grand Rapids
  • Urgent care centers
  • Spectrum Health or Trinity Health outpatient clinics

Levonorgestrel (Plan B and generics)

• Most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (3 days)
• Can be taken up to 4–5 days, but effectiveness decreases with time
• Available over the counter at most pharmacies in Grand Rapids:
  • Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, and local independent pharmacies

How Emergency Contraception Works

Each method works differently:

• Copper IUD

  • Stops sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg
  • Changes the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant

• Emergency Contraceptive Pills

  • Delay or prevent ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)
  • If you ovulate after taking the pill and have unprotected sex again, you may need another dose

Emergency contraception will not end an existing pregnancy.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception

Copper IUD

• More than 99% effective
• Most effective form of emergency contraception
• Continues to protect against pregnancy for 5–10 years, depending on the device

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Overall effectiveness is about 85%, but varies by type and timing:

• Ulipristal acetate (ella)

  • Generally more effective than levonorgestrel
  • Works better later in the 5-day window

• Levonorgestrel

  • Most effective when taken within 24 hours
  • Effectiveness decreases each day after unprotected sex

Emergency contraceptive pills may be less effective if you:

• Weigh more than 70 kg (about 155 lbs) or have a BMI over 26 kg/m²
  • A double dose of levonorgestrel is sometimes recommended in this case; discuss with a pharmacist or provider
• Are taking certain medications, such as:
  • Some seizure medicines
  • Certain HIV medications
  • Some tuberculosis medicines
  • Herbal products like St. John’s wort

Always check with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist in Grand Rapids about the best option for you.

Where to Get Emergency Contraception in Grand Rapids, MI

Copper IUD

You need an appointment with a clinician trained in IUD insertion. Options include:

• Spectrum Health OB/GYN and family medicine clinics
• Trinity Health Grand Rapids women’s health and family practice clinics
• Metro Health – University of Michigan Health clinics
• Mercy Health women’s health services
• Local community health centers and Planned Parenthood locations

Ask specifically for copper IUD insertion for emergency contraception so they can prioritize timing.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

You can get emergency contraceptive pills at:

• Pharmacies (no prescription needed for levonorgestrel)
  • Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, and independent pharmacies throughout Grand Rapids
• Clinics and urgent care centers
  • For ulipristal acetate (ella), you usually need a prescription
• Student health centers (for local college/university students)

Pharmacists may ask you a few questions about:

• Time since unprotected sex
• Your weight/BMI
• Medications you are taking
• Breastfeeding status

This helps them recommend the most appropriate emergency contraceptive pill.

Cost of Emergency Contraception in Grand Rapids

Prices can vary by type, brand, and location.

• Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill

  • Typically $15 to $50 depending on brand and pharmacy
  • Some pharmacies or clinics may offer discounts or coupons

• Ulipristal acetate (ella)

  • Usually more expensive than levonorgestrel
  • Often covered by insurance with a prescription

• Copper IUD

  • Outside a hospital setting, can cost around $70 to $120 or more without insurance
  • Additional costs may include:
    • Clinic visit or insertion fee
    • Follow-up appointment

Many Grand Rapids residents have coverage through private insurance, Medicaid, or Healthy Michigan Plan, which may significantly reduce or eliminate costs. Check with:

• Your insurance provider
• The clinic’s billing office
• Kent County Health Department for information on low-cost or sliding-scale services

Possible Side Effects of Emergency Contraception

Copper IUD

Common side effects can include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Heavier or more painful periods
• Irregular bleeding between periods, especially in the first few months

Because it is non-hormonal, there are no hormonal side effects like mood changes or breast tenderness from the device itself.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

You may notice:

• Changes in your next period:
  • It may be earlier or later than usual
  • Bleeding may be heavier or lighter
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Sore or tender breasts

If your period is:

• More than 7 days late,
• Much lighter than usual, or
• Unusual in any other way,

take a pregnancy test and follow up with a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids.

Potential Risks

Copper IUD

Serious complications are rare but can include:

• Infection at the time of insertion or within the first 3 weeks
• Perforation – the IUD making a small hole in the wall of the uterus during insertion (very rare)

If you experience:

• Severe pain
• Fever or chills
• Foul-smelling discharge

contact your doctor or go to an urgent care or emergency department.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

• There are no known serious long-term risks from taking emergency contraceptive pills.
• Like all medications, they can cause temporary side effects, but serious reactions are rare.

Starting Regular Birth Control After Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is not meant for ongoing birth control. You should discuss a regular method with a provider in Grand Rapids (pill, IUD, implant, ring, injection, patch, condoms, etc.).

After Levonorgestrel (Plan B and generics)

• You can start or restart:
  • Birth control pills
  • Implant
  • Vaginal ring
  • Injection
  • Patch
    immediately after taking levonorgestrel.
• Use condoms or abstain from sex for 7 days after starting hormonal contraception to ensure protection.

After Ulipristal Acetate (ella)

• Other hormonal contraceptives (pill, patch, ring, implant, injection) can make ulipristal less effective.
• Do not start these methods until 5 days after taking ulipristal.
• Use condoms or avoid sex during these 5 days and for 7 days after you start your regular method.
• You should have a pregnancy test 3–4 weeks after taking ulipristal, especially if you start hormonal contraception within the next 3 weeks.

Pregnancy After Using Emergency Contraception

If You Become Pregnant With a Copper IUD in Place

• See a doctor or nurse immediately to have the IUD removed.
• They will also check for a pregnancy in the fallopian tubes (ectopic pregnancy).
• Removing the IUD will not harm an ongoing pregnancy.
• If the IUD cannot be removed and you continue the pregnancy, there is a higher risk of miscarriage or preterm delivery.

If You Become Pregnant After Emergency Contraceptive Pills

• It is safe to continue the pregnancy or to end it with a medical or surgical abortion.
• Emergency contraceptive pills are not known to cause birth defects.
• Talk with a Grand Rapids provider about your options:
  • OB/GYN clinics
  • Family planning clinics
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Community health centers

Emergency Contraception After Birth and While Breastfeeding

After Giving Birth

• Emergency contraceptive pills are safe to take at any time after having a baby.
• The copper IUD can usually be inserted:
  • Any time once your baby is 4 weeks old
  • In some cases, it can be inserted soon after birth (your doctor will advise you).

While Breastfeeding

• Copper IUD: Safe while breastfeeding; it does not affect breast milk.
• Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill: Safe while breastfeeding.
• Ulipristal acetate (ella):
  • Generally considered safe after birth
  • Not as well studied in breastfeeding, but thought to be low risk
  • Some providers may suggest pumping and discarding breast milk for 24 hours after taking ulipristal—discuss this with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids & Michigan

• Cold winters and icy roads in West Michigan can make it harder to get to a clinic quickly. If you think you may need emergency contraception, plan ahead by:
  • Knowing which nearby pharmacies carry emergency contraceptive pills
  • Keeping a levonorgestrel pill at home as backup
• Grand Rapids’ diverse population includes many young adults and college students. Some schools and universities provide access to health services and contraception on site, including:
  • School nurses or adolescent health-trained GPs
  • Campus health centers

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

For information, prescriptions, or insertion of a copper IUD, contact:

• Your GP / primary care provider
• OB/GYN clinics at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
• Pharmacies (for levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills)
• Kent County Health Department – for information on low-cost contraception and sexual health services
• Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers – for reproductive health services, STI testing, and counseling
• School nurse or school-based health centers – for teens and young adults

If you’re unsure where to start, you can:

• Call your insurance member services number (on your card) and ask for in-network reproductive health providers in Grand Rapids
• Contact the Kent County Health Department for local referrals and low-cost options

Key Points

• Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy, not to end one.
• The copper IUD is the most effective option and can protect you for up to 10 years.
• Emergency contraceptive pills work mainly by delaying ovulation and are most effective the sooner you take them.
• There are no known serious long-term risks from taking emergency contraceptive pills.
• A small risk of perforation exists when inserting an IUD, but this is rare.
• If your period is more than 7 days late after using emergency contraception, take a pregnancy test and see a provider in Grand Rapids.

If you think you need emergency contraception, act as soon as possible and reach out to a local healthcare provider or pharmacy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.