|
In
spite of all good intentions and precautions, something may still go wrong. Withdrawal may
have been too late, a condom may have leaked or have been used wrongly, or the Pill may
have been forgotten. In any case, there is a reason to assume that sexual intercourse was
insufficiently protected.
Emergency contraception methods can be used after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The
most commonly used option is a regimen of progestin only pills (called ECPs)
within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception pills are 74 to 89%
effective. They do not interrupt or disrupt an already-established pregnancy, and
so are not a form of abortion. ECPs inhibit or delay ovulation to prevent
fertilization, and they may possibly alter the endometrium to impair implantation. It
is also possible ECPs may alter the transport of sperm or ova.
Advantages:
- Emergency contraceptives are the only methods a couple
can use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or after a contraceptive
"accident."
- They provide emergency treatment for victims of sexual
assault who were not protected by an effective contraceptive method at the time.
Disadvantages:
- Emergency contraceptives are not as
effective at preventing pregnancy as many other birth control methods.
- Many women will experience short
term side effects such as nausea, vomiting and menstrual changes at their next period.
- Emergency contraceptives do not
protect against STDs,
including HIV or Hepatitis B.
Some people call emergency contraceptive pills "morning
after pills." But you do not have to wait until the morning after. You can start the
pills right away or up to three days after you have had unprotected sex - that is, sex
during which you did not use birth control or your birth control may have failed.
Emergency contraceptive pills are more effective the earlier it is initiated within the
72 hour window. Take the medication within 72 hours after unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills require a prescription.
Most women can safely use emergency contraceptive pills, even if they cannot use birth
control pills as their regular method of birth control.
For more information, contact your local health department.
-OR-
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Emergency Contreceptive
|
