EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
MORNING AFTER PILLS
Emergency Contraceptive Pills There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills. One type uses hormones that are the same type and dose as hormones used in some kinds of ordinary birth control pills. These hormones are called estrogen and progestin (combined ECPs). One brand name called Preven is especially packaged and labeled for emergency use. But several other brands packaged for ongoing contraception can be used as well. About 50% of women who use this type get nauseated and 20% vomit. Use of this pill cuts the chance of pregnancy by 75%. This statement does not mean that 25% of women using ECPs will become pregnant. Rather, if 100 women had unprotected intercourse once during the second or third week of their cycle, about 8 would become pregnant; following treatment with ECPs, only 2 would become pregnant: a 75% reduction.
The other type of emergency contraceptive pill contains only the hormone called progestin (progestin-only ECPs). This type is specially packaged and labeled for use as the brand name Plan B. It is more effective than the first type, and the risk of nausea and vomiting is also lower. If the same 100 women used Plan B, only 1 would get pregnant: an 89% reduction.
Some people call emergency contraceptive pills "morning after pills." But you do not have to wait until the morning after. You can start the pills right away or up to three days after you have had unprotected sex - that is, sex during which you did not use birth control or your birth control may have failed. Therapy is more effective the earlier it is initiated within the 72 hour window. Your health care provider will tell you to take the first dose within 72 hours after unprotected sex. The provider will tell you to take the second dose 12 hours after the first dose. Each dose is 1, 2, 4, or 5 pills, depending on the brand. Not all brands of birth control pills can be used for emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills require a prescription. Do not use then except under the care of someone licensed to prescribe.
Most women can safely use emergency contraceptive pills, even if they cannot use birth control pills as their regular method of birth control.
The newest and best method of emergency contraception is called Plan B. It consists of two tablets of 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel taken 12 hours apart. It is almost 90% effective in preventing pregnancy and has virtually no side effects.
Another option, used for many years, is taking regular birth control pills within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. This is at least 75% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Advantages include:
- You can greatly reduce the chance of unplanned pregnancy.
- Many doctors and clinics can provide these for you. There is a good possibility that one of your girlfriends has the pills you need but you shouldn't get them that way.
Disadvantages include:
- Pregnancy can still occur.
- Some women get dizzy or nauseated from taking them.
What and how to use:
- Lo/Ovral, Nordette or Levlen: 4 pills at one time, then 4 more 12 hours later, or
- Triphasil or Tri-Levlen (only use yellow pills): take 4, then 4 more in 12 hours, or
- Alesse: 5 pills at one time, then 5 more 12 hours later.
You can also try danazol (Danocrine): 600 mg once. There is less data on this regimen.
The sooner you take any of these after unprotected intercourse, the more likely they are to work.
An IUD may be inserted anytime within one week of unprotected intercourse. It will be more than 90% effective in preventing pregnancy.