Answers to frequently asked questions about emergency contraception
Q. What should I know about emergency birth control?
A. Emergency birth control is available to women but many do not know it exists. This treatment must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex in order to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The following information will address questions regarding how and when Emergency Birth Control can be used. Also included are important facts which may help you decide whether or not this is the best option for you.Q. Is Emergency Birth Control the same as the "Morning After Pill?"
A. Emergency Birth Control is actually a series of pills, and is not the same as an abortion pill used in Europe. Emergency Birth Control is not a regular form of birth control but is available if your regular birth control method fails. If there is any risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, after a condom breaks, or in cases of rape or sexual assault, then the Emergency Birth Control may be appropriate for you. This birth control method requires a woman to take one dose of birth control pills and a second dose twelve hours later. This must be done within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Taking this increased amount of hormones interrupts the fertilization process so that the woman does not become pregnant.Q. Is Emergency Birth Control treatment safe?
A. The FDA ruled in February 1997 that, if taken according to instructions, using oral contraceptives as emergency birth control is safe and effective in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Contact your health care provider in order to discuss the treatment and any questions or concerns you may have.Q. What should I do if I need Emergency Birth Control?
A. You should know at what point in your menstrual cycle unprotected sexual intercourse occurred. If the unprotected sex occurred two weeks after the first day of your most recent period, you are at a great risk for pregnancy. You should take a urine pregnancy test to make sure that you are not already pregnant. If you discover that you are pregnant, do not use the Emergency Birth Control. Contact your health care provider in order to discuss the treatment and any questions or concerns you may have.Q. Which birth control pills can be used?
A. Most combination (estrogen and progesterone) birth control pills can be used (Ovral, Levien, Lo--ovral, Nordette, Tri Levlen, Triphasil).NextHow to take oral contraceptives for emergency birth control Page 1, 2, 3
Adapted from the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services
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