Emergency Contraception Pills

What Are They?

Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs) are commonly known as "the morning-after pill" or by the brand name of ECPs Plan B. ECPs help prevent conception after unprotected sex. Unlike the abortion pill RU-486, ECPs cannot induce an abortion if conception has already occurred. While safe to use in emergency situations, ECPs should not be relied on as a form of birth control. Plan B One-Step, a newer version of the ECP Plan B, is now available to women 17 years of age and older over-the-counter in California. Next Choice, another ECP, is also available to women 17 and older with or without prescription. A generic prescription-only version of Plan B is now available for women 17 years of age and younger. To find a clinic near you that provides ECPs, or for more information, contact the Emergency Contraception Hotline: 1-800-584-9911. To find your local Planned Parenthood, another information resource for ECPs, call: 1-800-330-PLAN.

How Do They Work?

Emergency Contraception Pills work in the same way as oral contraceptive pills, or birth control pills. ECPs simply utilize higher dosages of levonorgestrel than regular oral contraceptive pills. Levonorgestrel has been prescribed via birth control pills for 35 years and is safe to take. Like regular oral contraceptives, ECPs disrupt patterns in the uterus that are essential for pregnancy. ECPs can prevent ovulation, fertilization of the egg by the sperm, and implantation.

How Do I Use Them?

If you plan on using ECPs, it is wise to consult a doctor to learn of any side effects you may experience. Side effects of ECPs include, but are not limited to: changes in your period, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness. If vomiting occurs during the course of your ECPs, contact a doctor immediately to see if a repeat dose is necessary. Some ECPs require two high-dose pills, while Plan B One-Step requires only one high-dose pill. Both types of ECPs are effective at preventing pregnancy. With the two pill system, one pill is taken immediately after receiving it, optimally within 3 days (but up to 5 days) of the unprotected sex. The second pill is taken 12 hours after the first. With the one pill system, the pill is taken immediately after receiving it, again optimally within 3 days (but up to 5 days) of the unprotected sex. After taking ECPs, your regular form of birth control should be resumed immediately. You should begin your period within 10-12 days of taking ECPs.

Effectiveness

When taken as directed, ECPs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. ECPs are most effective within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex, but ECPs still retain some efficacy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. When taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, ECPs are 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, ECPs are still 89% effective at preventing pregnancy. While ECPs are highly effective, they are not 100% effective. It may be wise to take a pregnancy test a few weeks after taking ECPs to be sure they worked.

Cost

The cost of ECPs can range anywhere from $10 to $70. The variation in cost depends on different types of ECPs and different insurance plans. If you are under 17 years of age, a visit to your doctor for a prescription can increase this cost. ECPs are generally less expensive at family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood, some of which offer free ECPs. Check with your local Planned Parenthood to learn more about how to get ECPs: 1-800-230-PLAN.

You May Want to Take Emergency Contraception Pills if:

You Should Not Take Emergency Contraception Pills if:

If you have a history of any of these medical problems, you should not take ECPs:

Advantages of Emergency Contraception Pills:

Disadvantages of Emergency Contraception Pills:

What to Do if You Need Emergency Contraception

Women 17 years of age and older can obtain ECPs over-the-counter at pharmacies with a licensed pharmacist. You will need to show a government issued ID for proof of age. To find a pharmacy that provides ECPs near you, contact the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-800-584-9911 or Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN. Women under 17 years of age should contact a doctor to obtain a prescription for ECPs. If visiting a new medical clinic, be sure to give a complete medical history so any potential problems you may have with ECPs can be identified.

Availability of Emergency Contraception Pills in the US

As of July 2009, Plan B One-Step has been approved for over-the-counter sale to women 17 years of age and older in California. Women under 17 years of age can receive Plan B One-Step with a prescription. Currently, 21 states have statutes related to emergency contraception. Sixteen of these states have enacted legislation that requires hospitals to provide emergency contraception information and/or therapy to women who have been sexually assaulted. Nine states allow pharmacists to initiate emergency contraception drug therapy if working in collaboration with a physician and/or if they have completed a program for emergency contraception training. Check your state's legislation to see where it stands in regards to emergency contraception.

What to Do if You Are Sexually Assaulted

If you have been sexually assaulted, seek medical attention immediately. Women who are sexually assaulted are often not offered ECPs when seeking treatment at hospitals, even if the attending physician is able to prescribe ECPs. The responsibility then falls on the patient. If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it is not your fault and there are many resources available to you.

Click Here For More Information On Sexual Assault

References:

  1. Emergency Contraception State Laws
  2. Next Choice
  3. Plan B One-Step
  4. Planned Parenthood
Created October 8, 2010