Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception -- also called postcoital contraception -- is a form of birth control that may be used by women who have had unprotected sex or if a contraceptive method fails. The treatment generally is reserved for emergency situations and is not a regular method of birth control. Emergencies include being raped, having a condom break or slip off during sex, missing two or more birth control pills during a monthly cycle, and having unplanned sex. Emergency contraception is not a form of abortion; it is used to prevent a pregnancy, not end one. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It is not RU-466, the medication used to induce abortions.

Plan B is a specifically packaged emergency contraception.

If you are 18 or older, you can get Plan B from a pharmacist, without a prescription. Bring proof of your age.
If you are younger than 18, you can get Plan B with a prescription from a doctor.

How Does It Work?

Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy by temporarily blocking eggs from being produced, by stopping fertilization, or keeping a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in the uterus.

Emergency contraception can be provided in two ways: using hormonal contraceptive pills or inserting a copper-releasing IUD (intrauterine device).

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) are most commonly used and are taken in two dose s. With emergency contraception known as Plan B, two pills are taken 12 hours apart. The sooner you take the Plan B pill the more effective it is. The first dose should be taken as soon as possible -- within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse -- and the second dose 12 hours later. When Plan B is taken as directed, it can reduce the chance of pregnancy by up to almost 90%.
An IUD can be inserted to prevent pregnancy within five to seven days after unprotected intercourse.

How Effective Is Emergency Contraception?

If Plan B is taken as directed after unprotected sex it will decrease the chances of a pregnancy occurring. About 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnancy will not become pregnant.

An IUD can be up to 99% effective when inserted within 5 to 7 days after unprotected intercourse. The sooner you take an emergency contraceptive method, the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy.

Where Can I Get Emergency Contraception?

ECP are available at Planned Parenthood; college, public, and women's health centers; private doctors; and some hospital emergency rooms.

Some doctors will prescribe ECP over the phone and call the prescription in to a pharmacy.

Who Should Not Use Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception should not be used by women who are already pregnant because it is ineffective at terminating established pregnancies.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Emergency Contraception?

The most common side effects associated with emergency contraception include:

Nausea
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Headache
Menstrual changes

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to reduce nausea. They may prescribe some anti-nausea medicine for you to take before you take ECP.

Does It Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

No. Emergency contraception will not protect you from contracting an STD, such as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The best way to avoid getting STDs is to limit sexual contact with one uninfected partner. If that is not an option, use a latex condom correctly every time you have sex.

WebMD Medical Reference

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