“Morning After Pill”

Any female who has had unprotected sex within the last 5 days who is certain that she does not want to get pregnant can use the “morning after pill” or emergency contraception. When taken correctly there is virtually no risk of serious side effects.

• You had unprotected sex.
• The condom you used broke or slipped off.
• You have missed a pill, your patch fell off or you forgot to change your NuvaRing.
• You are late for your Depo shot.

95% effective taken within 24 hrs.
85% effective between 24-48 hrs.
61% effective between 48-72 hrs.

At WSTC, we use Plan B® emergency contraceptive pills. Plan B® prevents pregnancy a couple different ways: it may prevent the egg from being released from the ovary; prevent the sperm from getting to the egg; or, make changes in the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant and grow.

If you are already pregnant, ECP won’t work. It will not change or harm a fertilized egg that has already implanted in the uterus.

Possibly. A small number of women have nausea and vomiting. Taking ECP with food or milk helps. You can also take anti-nausea pills which you can buy at any drug or grocery store without a prescription. Less common symptoms include breast tenderness, bloating, spotting, headache and dizziness. Generally, these symptoms ease and disappear within a day or two.

• You should get a period within 1-3 weeks. It may be earlier or later, lighter, heavier or more spotty than you normally have. * If you do not get a period in 3 weeks, or if you begin to have pregnancy symptoms such as tiredness, nausea or breast tenderness, return to the clinic for a pregnancy test.
• If you have unprotected sex AFTER taking ECP you could get pregnant.
• Remember: ECP is not as effective as a reliable birth control method. Abstinence is the most effective method to prevent pregnancy, followed by Depo-Provera, birth control pills, NuvaRing, or the patch, and condoms. Come to our birth control class and make an appointment for an exam to get started on one of these methods.
• Emergency contraception is meant for emergencies only. You can use it as often as you need to, even more than once in the same cycle.
• Emergency contraception does not prevent sexually transmitted infections. Abstinence, condoms and a low number of different sexual partners are the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.

IF YOU HAD UNPROTECTED SEX IN THE LAST 5 DAYS, IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO TRY TO PREVENT PREGNANCY !!