What Is It?
Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected
sex. Often called the morning-after pill, emergency contraceptive
pills (ECPs) are hormone pills that can be taken any time up to 72
hours after having unprotected sex. Most states require a doctor to
prescribe emergency contraception; however, recently some states have
allowed nonphysicians to provide ECPs. Either way it is important
to seek medical help and guidance.
The intrauterine device (IUD) can sometimes be used as a form of
emergency contraception, however, it is rarely prescribed for teens.
How Does It Work?
In high doses, the hormones estrogen and progesterone can prevent
pregnancy. The number of pills taken depends on the type of pill
being used. The first dose of pills should be taken within 72 hours
of unprotected intercourse followed by a second dose of pills 12
hours later. The hormones work in a number of ways to prevent pregnancy.
ECPs work primarily by delaying ovulation (the release of an egg
during the monthly cycle), however, they can also affect the movement
and function of the sperm, the development of the uterine lining,
and the actual fertilization process. They are less effective if
fertilization has already occurred.
How Well Does It Work?
About 1 or 2 in every 100 women who use ECPs will become pregnant
despite taking ECPs within 72 hours after having unprotected sex.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception methods is calculated
differently from the effectiveness of other contraceptives because
of how they are used. Emergency contraception is the only type of
contraception method that is used after unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as
possible after unprotected sex. Because of this, the name morning-after
pill is somewhat misleading: Ideally the pill should be taken immediately
after sex, without waiting for the next morning.
Emergency contraception will not prevent pregnancy if a girl has
unprotected sex after taking the emergency contraceptive pills.
Because emergency contraception does not prevent all pregnancies,
a woman should see her doctor if she doesn't have a period within
3 weeks after taking emergency contraception.
Protection Against STDs
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). For those having sex, a condom must always be used
to protect against STDs even when using another method of birth
control.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always prevents
pregnancy and STDs. If a girl has been forced to have unwanted sex,
she should see a doctor right away to be tested for STDs. That's
because it's important to treat some STDs immediately before they
develop into bigger problems.
Possible Side Effects
The larger-than-normal dose of hormone causes some side effects
in many of the women receiving emergency contraception pills. These
side effects include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and headache.
Such side effects are usually minor, and most improve within 1 to
2 days. A girl's menstrual period may be irregular after taking
ECPs.
Who Uses It?
Emergency contraception is not recommended as a regular birth control
method. Instead, it is used for emergencies only. If a couple is
having sex and the condom breaks or slips off, if a diaphragm or
cervical cap slips out of place, or if a girl forgot to take her
birth control pills for 2 days in a row, a girl may want to consider
using emergency contraception. It is also available to teens who
are forced to have unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is not recommended for girls who know they
are pregnant. In addition, there may be medical conditions and circumstances
where emergency contraception is not recommended.
How Do You Get It?
In most cases, a doctor must prescribe ECPs. Many health clinics
also provide them. You must go as soon as possible after having
unprotected sex because ECPs are most effective during the first
72 hours. The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals keeps
a list of providers who prescribe emergency contraception. You can
find the name of someone in your area by calling their hotline at
(888) NOT 2 LATE.
How Much Does It Cost?
Depending on the types of pills that are prescribed, the emergency
contraceptive pill costs between $8 and $35. Many health insurance
plans cover the cost of emergency contraception and family planning
clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) charge much less.
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