Emergency Contraception

"The condom broke!"

"We didn't plan to have sex"

"I missed taking 2 pills this week."

Worried You Might Be Pregnant?

	If you've had unprotected sex within the last 3 to 5 days, it's not too late. You can do something to prevent pregnancy.
	Emergency Contraception (EC) is often called the "morning after pill." It works best when started right away, and no later than 3 to 5 days after sex.
	Act quickly. Don't wait. Call you health care provider or clinic to get EC.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Just like regular birth control pills, EC can prevent pregnancy in several ways.

It may stop the egg from being released, so sperm can't fertilize the egg. Or, it may change the lining of the uterus so the egg can't attach and grow.

There are 2 types of EC available in the United States.

	Emergency Contraceptive Pills
	Copper-T IUD

There are 2 types of emergency contraceptive pills: progestin pills and combined pills.

A health care provider can give you the correct dose and explain how to use the method for emergency contraception.

Progestin Pills

	Progestin pills contain the hormone progestin. Plan B is a progestin pill especially made for emergency use.
	These reduce the chances of pregnancy by 89%.
	Women who can't take estrogen may be able to take Plan B.
	Plan B provides the doses needed in 2 pills--1 pill for each dose.
	To use Plan B, take the first pill right after sex or within 3 to 5 days. Take the other pill 12 hours after the first pill. You may also take both pills at once. Take them right after sex or within 3 to 5 days.
	Some women may have nausea and vomiting . But it isn't common.

Combined Pills

	Combined pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.
	These reduce the chances of pregnancy by 75%.
	Combined pills must be used within 3 to 5 days after sex. The sooner they are started, the more effective they are.
	The Preven pill is especially made for emergency use. Several brands of birth control pills can also be used. Your provider can help you choose.
	Even women who can't use birth control pills on a regular basis often can use combined pills safely on a one-time emergency basis.
	To use combined pills, take 1 dose of pills right after sex or within 3 to 5 days. Take another dose 12 hours after the first dose.
	The number of pills in a dose depends on which pills your provider gives you.
	Some women may have nausea and vomiting. You can buy medicine at a drugstore to reduce the risk of nausea.

Copper-T IUD

	An IUD must be put in by a health care provider.
	The IUD must be put in within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
	The IUD can be left in place for up to 10 years as a long-term method of birth control.
	The IUD reduces the chances of pregnancy by 99%.
	Increased menstrual bleeding, pain, and/or cramps may occur at first.
	The IUD can cause spotting between periods.

Questions and Answers

Q: Emergency contraception (EC) sounds good. Can I use it all the time?

A: It should only be used in an emergency. Regular birth control methods all work better.

Q: What's the difference between EC and the abortion pill?

A: EC does not cause abortion. It will not work if a women is already pregnant. It is used before the egg attaches. It's not the same as RU 486 (the "abortion pill)

Q: What if I'm already pregnant? Will it hurt the fetus?

A: Studies have found no increased risk to a fetus from emergency contraceptive pills. There is a risk of miscarriage if an IUD is put in after a pregnancy has started.

Q: Does EC protect me against STD(sexually transmitted disease) and HIV?

A: No, EC doesn't protect you against STD. To protect yourself from STD you need to use a condom every time you have sex.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Fees for an IUD range from $90 to $500. Pills cost $25 to $100. Fees may be covered by health insurance. Many family planning clinics and college health centers offer these services free or at low cost.