Emergency Contraception

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

THE "MORNING-AFTER PILL"

General Information

Emergency contraceptive (EC) pills, taken after intercourse, usually can prevent pregnancy. You may want to use emergency contraception if:

  • You have had sex without using birth control.
  • You were sexually assaulted.
  • You used a barrier form of birth control such as a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap but it broke or slipped.
  • You forgot to take your birth control pills or were late getting your birth control shot.

There are two forms of EC pills, the latest of which is the so-called "morning-after pill", brand named Plan B. Plan B uses a form of the hormone progestin. Some types of birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin will, when taken in higher doses, also work for emergency contraception, but Plan B has fewer side effects and is more effective. It is available without a prescription to women at least 18 years old. Those under 18 need a prescription from a doctor.

The copper intrauterine device (IUD) can also be used as emergency contraception. It is very effective in preventing pregnancy when inserted into the uterus within five days after unprotected sexual intercourse. An added benefit of the IUD is that it can be left in place for continued birth control. Women who are allergic to metals or think they may be pregnant, should not use the IUD.

How to Use Plan B

Plan B involves taking two pills taken 12 hours apart. For best results, they should be take within 72 hours, but can be taken up to 120 hours after intercourse. The sooner the pills are taken, the more effective they are in preventing pregnancy. They work by preventing ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the egg in the uterine wall. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception won't work. If you get pregnant after taking the pills, it will not cause a miscarriage or harm the baby. Emergency contraception can be used more than once but it is not recommended as a method of birth control. Plan B does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted disease. Plan B may cause your next period to come sooner or later than usual.

Side Effects of EC Pills

Side effects, which usually go away in a couple of days, may include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • abdominal cramps
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • dizziness
  • fluid retention
  • breast tenderness
  • irregular bleeding and spotting

Some Women Should Not Use EC Pills

You should not use emergency contraceptive pills if:

  • You know you are pregnant.
  • You have had a stroke or heart attack in the past.
  • You have previously had blood clots in the legs or lungs.
  • You have or have had breast cancer or cancer in your female organs.
  • You have or have had liver cancer or active liver disease.
  • You get migraine headaches.

If you have or have had other medical illnesses, ask your doctor before using EC pills.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Call 911 Right Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • You have been sexually assaulted.
  • You have chest pain or shortness of breath.

Call Your Doctor Right Away (night or day) If

  • You have leg pain, swelling or redness. These symptoms could signal a blood clot in the leg.
  • You feel numbness in your arms or legs, which could be signs of stroke.
  • You have slurred speech. This could also be a sign of stroke.
  • You vomited within two hours of taking an EC pill. You will have to take another pill.
  • You have nausea and vomiting and need a prescription for treatment.
  • You need treatment for headache.
  • You need treatment for abdominal cramps.

Call Your Within 24 hours If You are under 18 years old and

  • You had unprotected intercourse and want emergency contraception.
  • You used a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap during sex and have reason to believe that it broke or was not in proper position.
  • You forgot to take your birth control pills two or more days in a row and had intercourse.

Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If

  • You have not had a menstrual period 21 days after taking EC pills.
  • You need to be seen because you are bleeding or having irregular spotting.
  • You are under 18 years of age, sexually active, and want a prescription for Plan B so you can get the pills right away should you need them.
  • You need to discuss birth control methods.
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

  1. Ask your doctor for medication to take an hour before taking EC pills to prevent nausea and vomiting.
  2. Eating, even a whole meal, before taking the pills may prevent nausea and vomiting.
  3. For headache or breast tenderness, try taking nonprescription medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin before calling your doctor.
  4. Lie down for an hour or two if you become tired or dizzy.
  5. If you are dizzy, try taking a non-prescription medication such as Dramamine for motion sickness.
  6. Continue using your usual birth control method until the start of your next period.
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For More Information Click on the Links Below

References

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG Education Pamphlet, AP114, 2006, Emergency Contraception.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 69, December 2005, Emergency Contraception.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 59, January 2005, Intrauterine Device.

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Disclaimer:

Peer-Reviewed by the Faculty of the University of Colorado Denver Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional