Emergency Contraception FAQs
Q. Are there any side effects when using the Emergency Birth Control?
A. Women have complained of nausea and vomiting after starting the "Morning After Pill". Your health care provider can prescribe medication to help control the nausea. Despite these symptoms, it is very important that you complete the entire treatment to ensure that the treatment is successful. If the nausea becomes unbearable, contact your health care provider.Using this emergency birth control method may also delay the start of your next period. Not all women experience this side effect.
Q. What should I do after taking the series of pills?
A. After taking the pills, be sure to use another form of contraception (condoms plus a spermicide is best) if you have vaginal intercourse before your next period. If your regular form of birth control is the pill, you should start a new pack on the first Sunday of your next period.Q. How do I know if this method of emergency birth control worked?
A. Your regular period should start at about the expected time. Although the treatment could delay the menstrual cycle, you should get a regular period. If you do not get a regular period, contact your health care provider.Q. What if I use this method of birth control but still become pregnant?
A. There is no data on the effects of increased amounts of hormones on a fetus. Some women opt to terminate the pregnancy.Q. Who can use this method?
A. This form of emergency birth control is available to most women. If you can use birth control pills as a regular form of birth control, then you can probably use this emergency method also. If you think that you may want to consider this contraceptive, your health care provider can give you a prescription.Women with breast cancer, high blood pressure, who are already pregnant, or have had blood clots should not use this method. Your health care provider can help you choose an alternative method if you have any of these medical conditions.
All women should remember that this is a last resort contraceptive. Consider all your options and plan a regular contraceptive method with your physician.
Q. How much does this treatment cost?
A. Despite the fact that the full "morning after" treatment consists of taking only four (4) to eight (8) pills, the entire packet of pills may be dispensed. You will be required to purchased the entire packet of birth control pills. One pack of combination pills will cost approximately $20.Q. How does emergency birth control differ from the "Abortion Pill" (RU486)?
A. Emergency birth control works by preventing the possibly fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. The Abortion Pill (RU486) works after implantation has occurred and pregnancy is established. Return toEmergency Contraception FAQs Page 1, 2, 3Adapted from the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services
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