Emergency contraception can save women worry, stress and possibly the unpleasant choice between an unwanted pregnancy and an abortion.

Emergency contraception pills (ECP’s) are no longer one of our little secrets, we in the health field have kept hidden for so long (about 20 years, in fact). Oh sure, there were some of us who knew about it, and some of us who even used it. But the general populous had no idea, until now. And yet, how many women are still not aware that such help is available to help prevent unwanted pregnancies? Statistics show 2 out of 3 women are NOT aware this method exists, so please allow me to share.

You might be one of many women or couples (if the male partner is concerned enough) now wondering about this information. You may wonder more if you ever have unprotected sex or suspect what did you use failed on you. Please let me emphasize right now boldly, emergency contraceptive pills do not protect against infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

So what is this all about? Emergency contraception refers to a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected or unwanted sex has taken place. People have used and still use the term "morning after pill" to describe emergency contraception, but that is deceptive. Emergency contraceptive pills should be taken as soon as possible after a known or suspected birth control failure or after sex without birth control, but the first dose of pills can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex. In some cases, the pills can be taken later. A fact: On average, 8 out of 100 women will become pregnant after having unprotected sex during the second and third weeks of their menstrual cycles. However, if these women were to take ECP’s, only 2 out of 100 would become pregnant!

To understand how emergency contraception works, you may find it helpful to better understand how and when a pregnancy takes place. Pregnancy does not begin immediately after having sex! According to experts in the field, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnancy begins when implantation in the endometrium (lining of the uterus) takes place. This usually takes place about 6 days after an egg is fertilized.

There are two factors that influence the effectiveness of ECP’s, and both are related to timing. The sooner the ECP’s are taken, the more effective they are. AND the closer a women is to ovulation at the time of unprotected sex, the less effective they are.

The most commonly reported side effects are nausea and vomiting. Serious as well as minor side effects may occur. Severe risks which can be life threatening, and they include the following: blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, and risks are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Women should tell their doctor or other healthcare professional if they smoke before taking emergency contraceptive pills, as well as any hormonal therapy.

The Really BIG Question:
Is emergency contraception the same as RU-486, the "abortion pill"?

No.

Absolutely not. RU-486 (the "abortion pill") and emergency contraceptive pills are completely different. The Emergency Contraceptive Pills work the same way birth control pills do, in that they can prevent a pregnancy from starting. The FDA has stated that there is no evidence that emergency contraceptive pills will have an unfavorable effect on an recognized pregnancy.

RU-486, the French "abortion pill," is a different drug than the ones used for emergency contraception. The "abortion pill" works after a pregnancy has started.

If I am already pregnant, will using emergency contraception hurt the pregnancy?

You should not take emergency contraceptive pills if you are pregnant. The pills will not discontinue your pregnancy. The pills contain the same or similar hormones as found in combination oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills). Widespread research has found no significant effects on the development of a baby associated with long-term use of contraceptive doses of oral steroids before pregnancy or taken unintentionally during the early stages of a pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills offer no protection against pregnancy when engaging in unprotected intercourse in the days or weeks following treatment. This is a very common misconception women have.

Where can I get emergency contraception?

Emergency Contraceptive Pills are available only by prescription from a doctor, other healthcare professional, or a family planning clinic, such as Planned parenthood. Average cost is $20.00. There are currently two pill options, and this is something you would discuss with your physician. Many women are now asking for this prescription ahead of time, for the “just in case” times. Washington state is currently the only state that offers them as an over the counter product, and this will hopefully expand to all states, however it is meeting protest on various levels.

**Also interesting to note: Wal-Mart will NOT offer ECP’s to their customers, and this is also an ongoing battle in many areas.

Provider Search: This link will allow you to find a provider (s) in your area that will prescribe the ECP’s. http://ec.princeton.edu/providers/index.html

Disclaimer:
Clitical does not promote one method of birth control over another. This is merely an informational section with guidelines you should consider before choosing the best possible birth control for you and your partner to follow. It is important to see your physician when using some birth control methods and when any problems arise with any of the discussed methods that can be found below.