What is Emergency Contraception?
Pregnancy can be prevented after intercourse by taking Emergency Contraceptive pills (EC). It works by giving the body a short, high, burst of synthetic hormones. This disrupts hormone patterns needed for pregnancy. EC affects the ovaries and the development of the uterine lining, making pregnancy less likely. Depending upon where the woman is in her menstrual cycle, the EC hormones prevent pregnancy in different ways. It prevents ovulation (the egg leaving the ovary and moving into the fallopian tube). It blocks the hormones needed for the egg to be able to be fertilized. It affects the lining of the uterus and alters sperm transport which prevents sperm from meeting the egg and fertilizing it.
EC may be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse. But, it is most effective within the first 24 hours. Emergency Contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75%. EC does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Use • Your Health • Side Effects • Danger Signs • Future Fertility
Availability • Advantages • Disadvantages
Further References • PDF Version
Use
Take EC within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. EC (plan B) may
be taken after 120 hours, but its effectiveness is much lower. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), both pills may be taken at the same time, as
soon as possible after unprotected sex. Or per the package insert,
you can take one pill immediately and one 12 hours later.
The first dose of EC is taken within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. The second dose is usually taken 12 hours later. EC may be taken after 120 hours, but its effectiveness is lower. Alternatively, both pills may be taken at the same time, as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
If you vomit within a half hour of taking EC, call your clinic. Vomiting can decrease the effectiveness of EC. To decrease nausea and vomiting take an anti-vomiting medication 30 minutes before taking the first dose. Some over the counter medications include Benadryl and Dramamine. Take as directed on the package. Both can cause drowsiness.
Take EC with food, preferably a full meal.
Plan B is one brand of EC. It has two progesterone pills. Birth control pills that have both estrogen and progesterone can also be used for EC. Choose only one type of pill to take for EC. The chart below contains the dosage information for some common brands of birth control pills. Some birth control packages have several different colors. It is important to take the exact color on this chart. Brands not listed have not been tested for their effectiveness.
|
1st Dose - Take within 72 hours of intercourse |
2nd Dose - Take 12 hours after 1st dose |
| Plan B - Specially designed for use as EC |
1 pill |
1 pill |
| Regular Birth Control Pills |
1st Dose - Take within 72 hours of intercourse |
2nd Dose - Take 12 hours after 1st dose |
| Alesse |
5 pink pills |
5 pink pills |
| Levlen |
4 orange pills |
4 orange pills |
| Levlite |
5 pink pills |
5 pink pills |
| Levora |
4 white pills |
4 white pills |
| Lo-Ovral |
4 white pills |
4 white pills |
| Nordette |
4 orange pills |
4 orange pills |
| Ovral |
2 white pills |
2 white pills |
| Ovrette |
20 pills (take within 48 hours of intercourse) |
20 pills more |
| Tri-Levlen |
4 yellow pills |
4 yellow pills |
| Trivora |
4 pink pills |
4 pink pills |
| Triphasil |
4 yellow pills |
4 yellow pills |
NOTE: For other pill combinations, see: www.not-2-late.com
After taking EC, your usual period should begin within 2 or 3 weeks. After two weeks, you can take a pregnancy test. If your period does not come within 3 weeks or if you are pregnant, visit your clinic.
To start taking birth control pills after using EC:
Start a new pack of pills on the first day of your menstrual period or on the Sunday after the first day of your period. Take one pill every day.
Every woman is different. Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions may not be able to use Emergency Contraception:
- Established pregnancy
- Past heart attack or stroke
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Breast or genital cancers
- Liver cancer
EC may not be recommended for women who plan to have intercourse within 5 days, are breastfeeding or have given birth in the last 6 weeks, have epilepsy, cardiovascular or kidney disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, or hypertension. Call your clinic to ask if EC is safe for you.
EC does not harm an established pregnancy. It acts on the uterus and cannot prevent an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. To protect your health, watch out for the EC danger signs.
Common side effects for women who use birth control pills for EC are nausea, vomiting, headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness, fluid retention and irregular bleeding. These side effects usually disappear after 1-2 days. Side effects are rare when Plan B is used.
Danger Signs
Women who experience any of the following symptoms while taking EC should call the clinic immediately:
- Abdominal pains (severe)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Headaches (severe)
- Eye problems, such as blurred vision
- Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
EC does not prevent future pregnancies and is less effective than other methods of birth control. If you want to prevent future pregnancies, condoms and spermicide are easily available options. You can buy them over-the-counter and you don't have to wait for the start of your next period.
Availability
When you go to the pharmacy, ask for emergency contraception (EC pills) by its brand name "Plan B." If you are under age 18, you will need a prescription. However, in Washington State, you can get the prescription right at the pharmacy without first seeing a doctor. Call ahead to make sure the pharmacist on duty can give out EC. To find out the provider closest to you, contact the nationwide EC Hotline at 1-800-584-9911. The hotline is available 24 hours a day in Spanish and English. Or go to ec.princeton.edu.
Advantages
- Can be used after intercourse.
- Can use regular birth control pills. (see dosages above
- Can get pills ahead of time so you have them when you need them.
- Easy to use.
- Does not affect future fertility.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
- Most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected vaginal intercourse.
- Side effects may include nausea.
- Must be readily available.
When you need EC - call ahead to make sure your local pharmacy has EC in stock.
IUD for Emergency Contraception
Within one week of unprotected intercourse, an Intrauterine Device (IUD) can be used to prevent pregnancy. An IUD is a small device that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus. Copper IUDs affect the uterine lining, making the uterus hostile to sperm and preventing fertilization and implantation. Getting an IUD requires a clinic visit. Call your health provider for more information.
Get Emergency Contraception Now
- In WA, OR, CA, AK, you may go directly to a pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to sell you Emergency Contraception or Plan B. You can get the pills for free if you are low-income. (In WA State, you must sign up for Take Charge to get Plan B pills for free.)
- Plan B - including a list of pharmacies that carry it.
Further References
Emergency contraception gives women a second chance to prevent pregnancy.
March 3, 2008
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