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Emergency Contraception
Morning After Pill
What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception- also known as EC, the morning after pill, or by its brand name Plan B- is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is available over-the-counter to anyone 17 and older with a valid photo ID and is available by prescription to women 16 and younger.
You may want to take emergency contraception if:
- The condom broke or slipped off while you were having vaginal intercourse.
- You forgot to take your birth control pills, insert your ring, or apply your patch.
- Your diaphragm or cap slipped out of place while you were having vaginal intercourse.
- You miscalculated your "safe" days.
- He didn't pull out in time. Note: women can become pregnant from pre-ejaculate even if he pulls out.
- You weren't using any birth control method.
- You were forced to have unprotected vaginal sex or were raped.
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraception is made of the same kind of hormones found in birth control pills. The hormones in emergency contraception keep the woman's ovaries from releasing eggs, known as ovulation. They also thicken the woman's cervical mucus, which blocks sperm and keeps it from joining an egg. Some people say that emergency contraception works by preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus, but there is no proof that this actually happens.
Emergency contraception is not an abortion pill. You may have heard that emergency contraception causes an abortion, but that is not true. Taking emergency contraception will not affect an existing pregnancy or cause an abortion.
How effective is this method?
When taken within 120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse, emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy 75 to 89 percent. Emergency contraception has a greater effectiveness rate the sooner it is taken after unprotected intercourse. Using a birth control method during sexual intercourse is still a more effective way to prevent pregnancy.
What are the advantages of using this method?
- Anyone who is 17 or older may purchase emergency contraception at a Planned Parenthood of Indiana health center or a pharmacy. If you are denied EC at a pharmacy, please contact us to share your story.
- There is no exam required to get emergency contraception.
What are the disadvantages of using this method?
- Nausea, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, dizziness, headaches. These side effects subside within a day or two after taking emergency contraception.
- It should not be used as a primary birth control method.
- It does not prevent against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
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Diaphragm
