ec

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraceptives (EC) are methods of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Emergency contraception is often called “morning after contraception” or “the morning after pill” but these terms are misleading because emergency contraception can be used before the morning after or up to three days after, but the sooner the better and to prevent conception they need to be used within 72 hours.

Emergency contraception can be used when a condom breaks, after being raped, or any time unprotected sexual intercourse occurs. Do not use emergency contraceptives as your only protection against pregnancy if you are sexually active. Also, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

EC is safe and highly effective. High dose hormones are taken after unprotected sex followed by another dose 12 hours later. Many experts feel it should be available without a prescription due to its effective and the need to start taking it as soon as possible after unprotected sex or condom failure, etc. However, presently in the United States EC does require to be prescribed by a health care professional.

How Does It Work?

Like all other hormonal methods of contraception, EC works by delaying or preventing ovulation, inhibiting fertilization of an egg by sperm, and/or preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. The difference is that EC is an emergency high dose of hormones, and not intended as a regular method of birth control. It is used to help prevent pregnancy from an unexpected exposure.

How to Get EC?

Many providers will call in a prescription without requiring an office visit. No pelvic exam is necessary. In the U.S. in some states, trained pharmacists can distribute EC without a doctor’s prescription.

Recognizing the importance of direct access to emergency contraception here in the United States, eight states currently allow certain licensed pharmacists to dispense Plan B® directly to women. These states include Alaska, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Washington.

A woman should call her doctor, family planning clinic or Planned Parenthood as soon as she needs EC. By calling the toll-free, Emergency Contraception Hotline (1-888-NOT-2-LATE), you can get more information and learn who provides EC in your area. There is also a Web site (http://www.not-2-late.com) where you can find EC providers in your zip or area code and get answers to many questions about EC. EC is often offered in the Emergency Department of many hospitals in the United States. In the future, this option may be available without a prescription.

What Happens Next?

Your next period might start right on schedule. Otherwise it should come within a week before or after you would normally have expected it. If your period hasn’t started more than a week after you expected it, we recommend getting a pregnancy test. Think carefully about the situation that resulted in needing EC.

If you are having sex and not currently using a highly reliable method of contraception, make arrangements to start one as soon as possible. Your health care provider may be able to prescribe a starter pack of oral contraceptives when prescribing emergency contraception. Years ago EC had a different name (the “morning after pill”), and it used different ingredients, which sometimes caused unpleasant side effects, and had to be started within 24 (or 72) hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.

Side Effects:
Side effects can include: nausea and vomiting, and breast tenderness. These pills are not the same thing as an abortion since they do not terminate pregnancy.

See Plan B® for more specific details on this product from Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


“They Fit” Condoms – Now condoms are stronger than ever to prevent breakage.

Amy - Teen's Health Expert

By Amy - Teen's Health Expert

Discover the dedicated author behind Teen Health Secrets, an experienced expert committed to providing in-depth knowledge and guidance on various aspects of teen health, ensuring young individuals lead healthy, informed lives.