What is emergency contraception?
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Emergency contraception, or emergency birth control, is used to help keep a woman from getting pregnant after she has had sex without using birth control or if the birth control method failed. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will not work.
Use emergency contraception if:
You didn't use birth control You were forced to have sex The condom broke or came off Your diaphragm slips out of place He didn't pull out in time You missed at least two or three active birth control pills in a row (depending on which pill brand you use) You were late getting your shot You have reason to think your regular birth control might have failedEmergency contraception should not be used as regular birth control. Other birth control methods are much better at keeping women from becoming pregnant. Talk with your doctor to decide which one is right for you.
This answer is based on source information from Office of Women's Health.
Emergency contraception, or emergency birth control, is used to help keep a woman from getting pregnant after she has had sex without using birth control or if the birth control method failed. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception... More -
Anna Tarleton Potter of Good In Bed answered:Emergency contraception, or EC, is a pill that prevents pregnancy within about 72 hours or five days of unprotected sex, depending on the medication used. This is not the same as an abortion pill, which causes a miscarriage. If you already are pregnant, or if a fertilized egg has formed, it will not work. EC can have side effects, disrupt the menstrual cycle, and be expensive (about $40 per pill).Emergency contraception, or EC, is a pill that prevents pregnancy within about 72 hours or five days of unprotected sex, depending on the medication used. This is not the same as an abortion pill, which causes a miscarriage. If you already... More -
Dr. Alice Wofsy of MDLIVE answered:Emergency contraception is taking a single dose of a synthetic progestin hormone [levonorgestrel] by mouth as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is called Plan B One Step or 'the morning after pill' and is available at the pharmacy by prescription or in many states without a prescription if you are over 17 or 18. Your local pharmacy will know the rules in your state. One step is a single pill which has replaced 2 pill dosing because it is as effective but has fewer side effects [nausea and menstrual irregularities commonly]. It is likely to prevent pregnancy if taken within 3 days [72 hours] after unprotected sex, but the sooner the better. It is not foolproof nor is it as effective as regular birth control.Emergency contraception is taking a single dose of a synthetic progestin hormone [levonorgestrel] by mouth as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is called Plan B One Step or 'the morning after pill' and is available at the pharmacy by... More -
Healthwise answered:Emergency contraception is a way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. There are two types of emergency contraception: pills, and an intrauterine device (IUD) placed as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is a way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. There are two types of emergency contraception: pills, and an intrauterine device (IUD) placed as soon as possible after unprotected sex. More -
RealAge answered:The use of emergency contraception (EC) has been a very controversial topic lately. I think it’s important that we clear up some common misconceptions about this method of birth control. You should know these facts about EC:
- It contains the same hormones as some birth control pills.
- It works in three ways: By preventing the ovary from releasing an egg, preventing the egg from being fertilized by sperm and preventing a fertilized egg from implanting into the wall of the uterus.
- The earlier it is taken following unprotected sex, the more effective it will be.
- It is not an abortion pill. EC will not affect an embryo that has already implanted in the lining of the uterus.
From Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children by Jennifer Trachtenberg.
Find out more about this book: Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children
The use of emergency contraception (EC) has been a very controversial topic lately. I think it’s important that we clear up some common misconceptions about this method of birth control. You should know these facts about EC: It contains the... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Emergency contraceptive (EC) medication is often called "the morning-after pill." It can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after contraception failure (for example, a condom breaking). The sooner you take EC medication after unprotected sex or contraception failure, the better it works. You should take it within 3 days (72 hours). However, it may still work if you take it within 5 days (120 hours).Emergency contraceptive (EC) medication is often called "the morning-after pill." It can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after contraception failure (for example, a condom breaking). The sooner you take EC medication after... More
