Need an Ella Prescription? Here's How to Find a Provider

Unlike Plan B, which you can grab off the shelf at most pharmacies, Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) requires a prescription. That extra step can feel frustrating when time is of the essence — Ella works best the sooner you take it, and it's effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

The good news: getting a prescription is faster and easier than most people think. This guide walks you through exactly which doctors can prescribe Ella, how to find one near you (including telehealth options that can get you a prescription today), and what to expect at your appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Ella?

Several types of healthcare providers can write you a prescription for Ella:

• OB/GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) — The most obvious choice. They prescribe emergency contraception regularly and can also discuss ongoing birth control options.
• Family medicine doctor — Your primary care doctor can prescribe Ella. If you already have a PCP, this may be your fastest in-person option.
• Internal medicine doctor — Similar to family medicine, internists can prescribe Ella as part of general care.
• Emergency room doctors — If it's after hours and you can't reach anyone else, the ER can prescribe Ella. However, expect higher costs and longer wait times.
• Urgent care providers — Many urgent care clinics can write prescriptions for emergency contraception.
• Telehealth providers — Online platforms like Nurx, Wisp, GoodRx Care, and Planned Parenthood Direct can prescribe and ship Ella, sometimes the same day.

You do not need to see a specialist. Any licensed prescriber can write a prescription for Ella.

How to Find a Provider Who Can Prescribe Ella

Here are the most effective ways to get your prescription, roughly ordered from fastest to slowest:

1. Telehealth (Fastest Option)

If time matters — and with emergency contraception, it always does — telehealth is often the fastest route. Several platforms offer Ella prescriptions with quick turnaround:

• Nurx — Online consultation and Ella shipped to your door. Some patients get prescriptions within hours. Ella costs around $45 through Nurx without insurance.
• Wisp — Similar model, with fast online consultations and direct shipping. Also around $45.
• GoodRx Care — Telehealth consultations with prescriptions sent to a pharmacy of your choice.
• Planned Parenthood Direct — The app offers birth control and emergency contraception prescriptions in many states.

Telehealth is especially useful if you live in a rural area, don't have a regular doctor, or need a prescription outside of business hours.

2. Your Insurance Provider Directory

If you have health insurance, log into your plan's website or app and search for in-network providers. Look for:

• OB/GYN providers accepting new patients
• Family medicine or primary care doctors
• Urgent care facilities in your network

Under the ACA, most insurance plans must cover FDA-approved emergency contraception like Ella with no cost-sharing when prescribed. This means you may pay $0 for the medication itself — though you might have a copay for the office visit.

3. Zocdoc or Similar Booking Platforms

Platforms like Zocdoc let you search for doctors by specialty, location, insurance, and availability. Filter for OB/GYN or family medicine providers with same-day or next-day availability. Many profiles show whether the provider handles reproductive health.

4. Planned Parenthood or Community Health Clinics

Planned Parenthood clinics prescribe Ella regularly and often offer it on a sliding fee scale based on income. Community health centers (find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov) also provide reproductive healthcare at reduced costs.

5. Ask for a Referral

If your current doctor can't see you quickly, ask their office to refer you to a colleague who has availability. Most medical offices understand the time-sensitive nature of emergency contraception.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Getting an Ella prescription is typically straightforward. Here's what usually happens:

• Brief health history — The provider will ask about your menstrual cycle, when unprotected intercourse occurred, and any medications you're currently taking.
• Medication review — This is important because certain medications can interact with Ella, particularly hormonal contraceptives and CYP3A4 inducers like Rifampin or St. John's Wort.
• Pregnancy test — Some providers may do a quick pregnancy test, since Ella is contraindicated in known or suspected pregnancy.
• Prescription — If everything checks out, you'll get your prescription. The whole process often takes less than 15 minutes.

There's no pelvic exam required for an Ella prescription. The visit is simple and quick.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Ella prescription in hand, you need to fill it. Here's where things can get tricky: not all pharmacies stock Ella. It's a single-dose prescription product with intermittent demand, so many pharmacies simply don't keep it on the shelf.

Before driving to a pharmacy, check stock first. Medfinder can help you find pharmacies that have Ella in stock near you without having to call around.

A few tips for filling your prescription:

• Call ahead — If you can't check online, call the pharmacy before going in person.
• Try larger pharmacies — Chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are more likely to stock Ella than smaller independent pharmacies.
• Ask about ordering — If a pharmacy doesn't have it, ask if they can order it. Many can get it within 24 hours, though this may not be fast enough for your situation.
• Consider telehealth + shipping — Platforms like Nurx and Wisp ship Ella directly to you, bypassing the pharmacy entirely.

If cost is a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Ella. Discount cards from GoodRx can bring the price down to around $39–$43 per tablet.

What If You Can't Find a Doctor in Time?

If you're struggling to get a prescription quickly, consider these backup plans:

• Plan B One-Step (Levonorgestrel) — Available over the counter without a prescription at most pharmacies. It's most effective within 72 hours but can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex (though effectiveness drops significantly after 3 days). Learn more about alternatives to Ella.
• Copper IUD (Paragard) — The most effective form of emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days. Requires a provider visit but also provides long-term contraception for up to 10 years.
• Emergency room — ERs can prescribe Ella and may have it in their pharmacy.

Final Thoughts

Getting an Ella prescription doesn't have to be complicated. Telehealth has made it faster than ever — in many cases, you can get a prescription within hours without leaving your home. If you prefer an in-person visit, your OB/GYN, primary care doctor, Planned Parenthood, or urgent care clinic can all help.

The key is acting quickly. Ella is effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but it works best the sooner you take it. Don't let the prescription requirement slow you down — use the options above to get your prescription today.

Ready to find Ella near you? Search Medfinder to check pharmacy availability in your area.