Emergency contraception
What is emergency contraception? How do ECPs work? In what situations should I consider using emergency contraception? How effective are emergency contraceptive pills? How effective is it to use a copper IUD for emergency contraception? How do I get emergency contraception? How much does it cost? How do I take ECPs? If I’m already on birth control pills, can I just take the pills from my own prescription? What are the side effects of ECPs? What should I do if I vomit soon after taking the pills? Are there any medications that can make ECPs less effective? Can anyone use emergency contraception? Is it safe to use emergency contraception if I’m nursing? Will using emergency contraception affect my chances of getting pregnant down the road? How soon will I get my period? When should I call my caregiver after taking emergency contraception? Where can I get more information?
Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
What is emergency contraception?Emergency contraception (EC) refers to methods that can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected or inadequately protected sex. Emergency contraception will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are the most commonly used method. One type of ECP contains the hormone levonorgestrel (a type of progestin). These pills are available from pharmacists without a prescription to women and men 17 and older. They’re sold under the brand names Plan B OneStep, Next Choice One Dose, Next Choice, and Levonorgestrel tablets.
Editor’s note: In April 2013 the FDA approved the sale of Plan B OneStep without a prescription to girls 15 and older. The pill will now be available on the drugstore shelf instead of behind the pharmacy counter. Proof of age will be required at the cash register.
Another emergency contraception drug called Ella (ulipristal acetate) is available by prescription. Ella is approved for use
If these pills aren’t available, you can use certain types of progestinonly or combination birth control pills instead. You need to take a higher dose than usual, and the number of pills you need for effective
Alternatively, you can have a copper IUD (ParaGard) inserted after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy if you desire both emergency and longterm contraception. This is the most effective method of emergency contraception. (The progestin IUD, known as Mirena, is not suitable for emergency contraception.)
How do ECPs work?ECPs are a regimen of hormone pills that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse by temporarily blocking ovulation, interfering with fertilization, or thinning the lining of the uterus to keep a fertilized egg from becoming implanted.
It takes
ECPs are not the same as RU486 or mifepristone (sometimes referred to as the European “abortion pill”), which is used to interrupt an existing pregnancy.
And ECPs won’t prevent pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again after you take them. (In fact, because ECPs can delay ovulation, you may be more fertile right after taking ECPs.) You must use another method of contraception.
In what situations should I consider using emergency contraception?If you had vaginal intercourse without using any form of birth control or if your method of contraception failed or was used incorrectly, emergency contraception will significantly reduce your chance of getting pregnant. If a woman
But as this doesn’t always happen, women should be aware that they can ask for ECPs and obtain them on their own, if necessary.
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.
Cash Register Scales