| Emergency Contraception Options
What is emergency
contraception?
Emergency contraception refers to birth
control options that can be used after unprotected intercourse to help prevent pregnancy.
In the United States, women have the option of using hormonal emergency contraception
(birth control pills) or having an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted. Emergency
contraception can be used after forced sex (if you've been assaulted) or if you've
forgotten to use your birth control method, or if a method fails ( for example, if a
condom breaks).
Hormonal contraception is often the first
choice rather than the IUD. Your clinician will discuss which option is best for you. Most
women choose birth control pills for emergency contraceptive. Be sure to also discuss
regular birth control with your clinician.
USE OF EMERGENCY
CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS
Is emergency
contraception the same as the "morning after" pill?
The "morning after" pill which
consists of several tablets of birth control pills, is one type of emergency
contraception. However, the name "morning after pill" is misleading, since it
can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex, not just the next morning.
Do I have to see my
doctor to get emergency contraceptive pills?
No, you do not always have to see a health
care provider to get emergency contraception. A new program in the state of Washington
allows pharmacists to sell emergency contraception directly to women without requiring a
doctor's prescription.
If you've forgotten to use your birth control,
or a condom has broken or your diaphragm has become dislodged during sex, you should call
your health care provider. Your regular clinician may prescribe the pills over the phone
or may ask you to come into the office. If you're already using the birth control pill for
contraception, you will probably be told the correct number of pills to take over the
telephone. Talk with your clinician during your regular visit before you need emergency
contraception. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, then you should go to an
emergency department to be treated and examined.
How does emergency
contraception work?
Most birth control pills contain two
hormones-estrogen and progestin.. When used as emergency contraception, these hormones
disrupt the natural hormone patters necessary for pregnancy. The hormones also are thought
to interfere with the release of an egg and or fertilization of the egg by the sperm. Some
evidence also suggests the hormones change the lining of the uterus.
How do I use emergency
contraception pills?
Call your clinician to discuss emergency
contraception as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. If you use birth control
pills, the number you take will depend on the type of pills that you have or are
prescribed. Your clinician will tell you how many to take. Then, 12 hours later, you will
take the same number of pills for a second time.
How safe are emergency
contraception pills?
Emergency contraception pills are very safe.
In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration reviewed the evidence and concluded that the
treatment is safe and effective.
Are there women who
shouldn't use emergency contraception pills?
The World Health Organization lists confirmed
pregnancy as the only reason not to use emergency contraception pills.
Are there side effects
of emergency contraception pills?
The most common side effect are nausea and
vomiting. About half of women have nausea and about one quarter vomit; however, your
clinician may give you some medicine to take to reduce the nausea and vomiting.
Some medications are available
over-the-counter in the drug store that help decrease the nausea and vomiting. Usually the
medicine is taken about 1 hour before you take the emergency contraception pills. You may
want to ask your clinician to recommend or prescribe an anti-nausea drug.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the birth
control pills, you may need to repeat the dose of emergency contraception (take it again).
Refer to your written instructions or call your clinician if you have questions.
USE OF THE IUD AS
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
The IUD is another type of emergency
contraception. The IUD works by changing the lining of the uterus. In addition, the IUD is
believed to interfere with the sperm fertilizing the egg and with the ability of the sperm
to reach the egg.
The IUD can be inserted up to 5 to 7 days
after unprotected intercourse. If the IUD is used, you will need to see a clinician to
have it inserted.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR
CLINICIAN:
- Call your clinician within 2 weeks for a pregnancy test and
to discuss regular birth control.
- A toll-free emergency contraception hotline provides 24-hour
automated information on emergency contraception methods and a national directory of
providers who offer the treatment.
- The toll-free number is 1-800-NOT-2-LATE
- For information on emergency contraception available through
the Internet see the Emergency Contraception Website at: http://opr.princeton.edu/ec/
REMEMBER…
Emergency contraception is not as effective in
preventing pregnancy as using regular birth control. Do not rely on this treatment for
ongoing birth control. If you are at risk of an STD, use latex condoms to protect
yourself. Don't stop taking or using your birth control method on your own. Always call
your clinician to talk things over. |
