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There are 3
methods of emergency contraception. The first two are oral contraception
taken by mouth in a pill form. The
3rd method of emergency contraception is a copper released
IUD which can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
The pills are most commonly used and come in two name brands. Emergency Contraception pills are to be taken within 72 hours of having
unprotected sex or sex where the condom broke or the man ejaculated
inside of the woman. They
are taken in two doses, 12 hours apart.
Though they have success in reducing a pregnancy
they do nothing
to reduce the transmission or contraction of sexually transmitted
diseases.
(Please note:
ChoiceOne does not recommend or refer for EC)
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Preven |
Preven
is a combination pill which includes estrogen and progestin.
Combined pills reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75%. |
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Side
Affects:
Include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fatigue, irregular
bleeding, abdominal pain, headaches and dizziness.
The side effects usually taper off 1-2 days after the 2nd
dose. |
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Plan
B |
Plan B
contains only progestin and reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89%. If
taken within the first 24 hours, the risk of pregnancy is reduces by 95% |
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Side
Affects:
The side affects are similar to Preven, but less common. Many
women who take Plan B may experience no side affects at all.
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How
does Emergency
Contraception Work?
Emergency
contraception prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, fertilization or
implantation. EC contains
the same hormones as birth control pills but in much higher doses.
Compared with Levlite (a brand of birth control pill) Preven
contains 10 times higher the amount of estrogen and progestin and Plan B
contains 15 times higher the amount of progestin. Of 100 women who have unprotected sex mid-cycle, 8 will become pregnant,
2 will become pregnant using Preven and 1 will become pregnant using
Plan B.
Emergency
contraception may not prevent an ectopic pregnancy
and
WILL
NOT
protect against
sexually transmitted disease.
If you
experience signs of pregnancy or a
missed period 3 weeks after taking EC, call a doctor for a pregnancy
test.
EC may not be used if
you are already pregnant.
About
10-15% of women change the amount, duration and timing of their next
period. If used frequently, periods may become irregular and
unpredictable.
The
closer a woman is to ovulation at the time of unprotected sex, the less
likely the method will succeed.
*ChoiceOne does not refer or recommend emergency contraception
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