Emergency Contraception (EC)
Health Services > Birth Control Methods > Emergency Contraception (EC)

EC contains the same hormones used in other birth control pills, but EC is used differently. EC prevents most pregnancies if it is used correctly soon after unprotected sex. EC should not be used often because it is less effective than regular, correct use of other birth control methods. After a single use, EC treatment will fail in about 2 percent of women.

Is EC right for me?

• If you are certain that you do not want to be pregnant,
• and you had unprotected sex one or more times recently,
• and the first time was within the last 120 hours (five days), EC may be a good choice for you.

How does EC work?

Depending on when you use EC during your monthly cycle, the medication will either stop you from producing eggs, stop fertilization of an egg, or stop a fertilized egg from becoming attached to your uterus.

NOTE: EC is not the same as RU-486, the "French abortion pill."

If EC does not work, and I become pregnant, could EC hurt the baby?

Because few women get pregnant after using EC, there is not much information about how EC affects a pregnancy. However, based on available information, there is no reason to believe EC could hurt the baby.

What is the good news about EC?

• EC is easy to use and simple to take.
• EC can prevent unwanted pregnancy and the need for abortion.
• EC is safe because the total hormone dosage is low.
• EC is a good choice in emergency situations.
• You may not need an exam/appointment to get EC.

What else do I need to know about EC?

• EC must be taken soon after sex. The first EC dose must be taken within 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex, and is most effective if taken 24 hours after unprotected sex. Call your clinic right away if you think you may need EC.
• EC can cause temporary side effects. EC may cause nausea or vomiting for a day or two. Sometimes it can cause headaches, dizziness, cramping, or breast tenderness.
• EC does not prevent all pregnancies. Contraceptives used before or during sex (condoms, pills, IUDs, sterilization, implants, or injections) work better than EC.
• EC can cause your period to come a few days early or a few days late. A pregnancy test and exam is advised if your period is over one week late.
• EC does not protect against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. If you are worried about whether you may have been infected with AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases, talk to your clinician for advice.

Will EC prevent pregnancy in the future?

No. If you have unprotected sex after using EC, they will not protect you. Use a birth control method regularly and correctly to prevent future pregnancy.

REMEMBER: EC should not be used as a regular birth control method. It is better to use a more effective birth control method with fewer side effects or a method that can protect you from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

What if I vomit after taking the pills?

Sometimes women vomit after taking ECPs in spite of the anti-nausea medication.  If you vomit within two hours of taking the first or second dose of ECPs, take another dose of ECPs (2 pills) as soon as possible.

If you vomit more than two hours after the first or second dose, don't worry. The medication is already in your system.

What should I do after using ECPs?

You will not see any signs right away showing whether or not the ECPs worked. If your period is more than a week later than expected, or if you have any cause for concern, come to your Planned Parenthood clinic for a pregnancy test.

If you want more information about regular birth control methods, or if you are having trouble using your regular method, ask your Clinician about other methods that may work well for you.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING ECPs

Please read the following instructions very carefully. It is important to take the pills exactly as prescribed and as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Treatment started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse increases the effectiveness of the pills. If more than 120 hours (5 days) have passed since the having unprotected intercourse, contact your Clinician as soon as possible to see if ECP is appropriate for you.

• Take two (2) Plan B pills within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.
• Your next menstrual period should begin within the next 2 to 3 weeks. You may have some spotting before then. You may take aspirin or Ibuprofen to relieve the heavy cramping that may occur with your next period.
• Because "morning after pills" may change your regular cycle, a follow-up visit is recommended 3 weeks after treatment. A pregnancy test will be done at that visit if your period has not begun.
• If the pregnancy test is positive, the options available to you can then be discussed. There is no evidence to suggest that the use of emergency contraceptive pills causes birth defects.
• A refill of ECP may be received by prescription through your Planned Parenthood clinic. It is recommended to keep a pack of ECP on hand for future use, if necessary.
• Use a condom or other contraception regularly to avoid future pregnancy.