Emergency Contraception:

(EC or Morning After Pill)

 

There are 3 methods of emergency contraception. The first two are oral contraception taken by mouth in a pill form.  The 3^rd method of emergency contraception is a copper released IUD which can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. The pills are most commonly used and come in two name brands. Emergency Contraception pills are to be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex or sex where the condom broke or the man ejaculated inside of the woman.  They are taken in two doses, 12 hours apart.  Though they have success in reducing a pregnancy they do nothing to reduce the transmission or contraction of sexually transmitted diseases.  

 

Preven
Preven is a combination pill which includes estrogen and progestin.  Combined pills reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75%.

 

Side Affects: Include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fatigue, irregular bleeding, abdominal pain, headaches and dizziness.  Side effects usually lessen 1-2 days after the 2^nd dose.

  

Plan B

Plan B contains only progestin and reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89%. If taken within the first 24 hours, the risk of pregnancy is reduces by 95%

Side Affects: 
The side affects are similar to Preven, but less common.  Many women who take Plan B may experience no side affects at all.

 

About 10-15% of women notice a change in the amount, duration and timing of their next period.  If used frequently, periods may become irregular and unpredictable.  

The closer a woman is to ovulation at the time of unprotected sex, the less likely the method will succeed.

 

Emergency contraception may not prevent an ectopic pregnancy and WILL NOT protect against sexually transmitted disease.

 

If you experience signs of pregnancy or a missed period 3 weeks after taking EC, call for a pregnancy test.