 |  |  |
|
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception refers to birth control options that can be used after unprotected intercourse to help prevent pregnancy. In the United States, women have the option of using hormonal emergency contraception (birth control pills) or having an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted. Emergency contraception can be used after forced sex (if you've been assaulted) or if you've forgotten to use your birth control method, or if a method fails (for example, if a condom breaks). Hormonal contraception is often the first choice rather than the IUD. Your clinician will discuss which option is best for you. Most women choose the birth control pills for emergency contraception. Be sure to also discuss regular birth control with your clinician. USE OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS Is emergency contraception the same as the "morning after" pill? The "morning after" pill, which consists of several tablets of birth control pills, is one type of emergency contraception. However, the name "morning after pill" is misleading, since it can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex, not just the next morning. Do I have to see my doctor to get emergency contraceptive pills? No, you do not always have to see a health care provider to get emergency contraception. A new program in the state of Washington allows pharmacists to sell emergency contraception directly to women without requiring a doctor's prescription. Other states are expected to follow soon. If you've forgotten to use your birth control, or a condom has broken or your diaphragm has become dislodged during sex, you should call your health care provider. Your regular clinician may prescribe the pills over the phone or may ask you to come into the office. If you're already using the birth control pill for contraception, you will probably be told the correct number of pills to take over the telephone. Talk with your clinician during your regular visit before you need emergency contraception. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, then you should go to an emergency department to be treated and examined. How does emergency contraception work? Most birth control pills contain two hormones -- estrogen and progestin. When used as emergency contraception, these hormones disrupt the natural hormone patterns necessary for pregnancy. The hormones also are thought to interfere with the release of an egg and/or fertilization of the egg by the sperm. Some evidence also suggests the hormones change the lining of the uterus. How do I use emergency contraception pills? Call your clinician to discuss emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. If you use birth control pills, the number you take will depend on the type of pills that you have or are prescribed. You clinician will tell you how many to take. Then, 12 hours later, you will take the same number of pills for a second time. How safe are emergency contraception pills. Emergency contraception pills are very safe. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration reviewed the evidence and concluded that the treatment is safe and effective. Are there women who shouldn't use emergency contraception pills? The World Health Organization lists confirmed pregnancy as the only reason not to use emergency contraceptive pills. Are there side effects of emergency contraception pills? The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting. About half of women have nausea and about one quarter have nausea; however, your clinician may give you some medicine to take to reduce the nausea and vomiting. Some medications are available over-the-counter in the drug store that help decrease the nausea and vomiting. Usually the medicine is taken about 1 hour before you take the emergency contraception pills. You may want to ask your clinician to recommend or prescribe an anti-nausea drug. If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the birth control pills, you may need to repeat the dose of emergency contraception (take it again). Refer to your written instructions or call your clinician if you have questions. USE OF THE IUD AS EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
The IUD is another type of emergency contraception. The IUD works by changing the lining of the uterus. In addition, the IUD is believed to interfere with the sperm fertilizing the egg and with the ability of the sperm to reach the egg. The IUD can be inserted up to 5 to 7 days after unprotected intercourse. If the IUD is used, you will need to see a clinician to have it inserted. WHEN TO CALL YOU CLINICIAN
|
