Bookmark and Share

Emergency Contraception Pills

What are they?

Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs), commonly known as the "morning after pills," prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. ECPs are not abortion pills like RU-486. They prevent conception. They do not induce a miscarriage. ECPs are recommended for one-time emergency protection only. They should not be used as a regular form of birth control. ECPs are usually available by prescription only. However, ECPs, such as Plan B, may also be purchased over the counter in some areas of the United States. To find a clinic nearest you for treatment, or obtain more information about Plan B, you can contact the Emergency Contraception Hotline: 1-800-584-9911. You can also find out clinic locations through Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN.

Back to the Top

How do you use them?

When using ECPs, it may be wise to consult a doctor about any side effects that you may experience. A doctor or pharmacist will usually prescribe two high dosage pills containing the hormones estrogen and progestin to be taken up to five days after unprotected intercourse. After taking the first pill, many doctors recommend that you wait 12 hours before taking the second, however some doctors may suggest that you take both pills at the same time. A woman will usually regain her period within 10-21 days after ingesting the ECPs. However, if menstrual irregularities persist, or you experience continual symptoms of concern, you may want to visit a doctor.

Back to the Top

How do they work?

ECPs work the same as regular oral contraceptives. There is a temporary increase in hormones that disrupts the patterns in the uterus that are essential to pregnancy. They thicken the cervical mucous and alter the uterine lining to make those environments difficult for sperm survival. They also thin out the endometrial lining making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.

Back to the Top

You might want to take Emergency Contraception Pills if:

Back to the Top

You should not take ECPs if:

You have a history of

Back to the Top

Advantages

Back to the Top

Disadvantages

Back to the Top

Cost

ECPs costs anywhere between $20-$50. There are many different types of ECPs and different doses that effect the cost. This price does not include any health care visits or pregnancy tests.

Back to the Top

Effectiveness

ECPs decrease the risk of pregnancy by 89%. This means that if 100 women have unprotected sex, eight will probably get pregnant if none of them use ECPs. However if they use ECPs, only two will become pregnant. As with all forms of contraception, nothing is 100% effective. It is a good idea to take a pregnancy test at a clinic a couple of weeks after taking ECPs to make sure that they worked.

Back to the Top

Availibility of Emergency Contraception Pills

As of August 24, 2006, The Federal Drug Administration has approved the over-the-counter sale of the Emergency Contraception pill, Plan B, to women and men ages 18 and over. For women 17 years old and younger, Plan B is available by prescription-only. Since Plan B is available over-the-counter, it is advised that sexually active women purchase a supply of ECPs to have on hand in case of an emergency with their primary contraceptive methods. Many women feel that having ECPs beforehand gives them peace of mind that they can quickly respond to a contraceptive failure. Again, ECPs should not be used instead of your regular form of birth control.

Back to the Top

What to do if you need Emergency Contraception Pills

Plan B Emergency Contraception Pills are available over-the-counter at pharmacies with licensed pharmacists. To purchase Plan B, you will need to show identification for proof that you are at least 18 years of age. For those 17 years old and younger, you will need to call your doctor or pharmacist for a prescription. To find a clinic near you that prescribes ECPs, call the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-800-584-9911 or Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN, or visit www.not-2-late.com

If you are visiting a new doctor or a clinic, be sure to give a complete medical history, because this information can reveal any potential problems you might have with the morning after pill before it is prescribed for you. There are risks involved in taking the morning after pill, so your doctor needs to be educated about your health history.

Back to the Top

What to do if you are a Rape Victim

If you are a rape victim, you should seek immediate medical treatment. As outlined for all women needing ECPs, you should phone the hospital or doctor prior to your visit to make sure the prescription will be made available to you. Many hospitals with religious affiliations will refuse prescriptions for them. Even if you go to a doctor who can prescribe morning after pills, ECPs may not be offered to you if you do not ask for them. A recent study at Johns Hopkins University found that 80 percent of rape victims were not offered ECPs by the hospital, so the responsibility to ask for the pills falls to the patient. 1

More Information if You Have Been Assaulted

References:

1. "Today's News," Johns Hopkins University Website, 5 June 2002. http://www.jhu.edu/clips/2002_06/06/rapevics.html

Created February 5, 2006, last updated May 31, 2007