Emergency Contraceptive Pills: What They Are and When to Use Them
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are a type of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular method of birth control fails. ECPs are also known as the morning-after pill or the day-after pill.
ECPs are not the same as abortion pills. Abortion pills end a pregnancy that has already begun. ECPs work by preventing pregnancy from occurring in the first place.
ECPs are most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. However, they can still be effective if taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
ECPs are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and online. You do not need a prescription to get ECPs.
How ECPs Work
ECPs work by preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. If an egg is not released, it cannot be fertilized by sperm.
ECPs also thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Types of ECPs
There are two main types of ECPs:
Levonorgestrel-only ECPs: These ECPs contain the hormone levonorgestrel, which is similar to the hormone progestin. Levonorgestrel-only ECPs are available in one-pill and two-pill doses.
Ulipristal acetate ECPs: These ECPs contain the hormone ulipristal acetate, which is a type of progestin. Ulipristal acetate ECPs are available in one-pill doses.
How to Take ECPs
ECPs are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. However, they can still be effective if taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
Levonorgestrel-only ECPs: The one-pill dose of levonorgestrel-only ECPs can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The two-pill dose of levonorgestrel-only ECPs should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. The pills should be taken 12 hours apart.
Ulipristal acetate ECPs: Ulipristal acetate ECPs can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
Side Effects of ECPs
ECPs are g茅n茅ralement well-tolerated. However, some women may experience side effects, such as:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
Breast tenderness
These side effects usually go away within a few days.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Frequently Asked Questions
How effective are ECPs?
ECPs are very effective at preventing pregnancy. However, they are not 100% effective. The effectiveness of ECPs depends on how soon they are taken after unprotected sex.
When should I take ECPs?
ECPs should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. However, they can still be effective if taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
Can I take ECPs more than once?
ECPs should not be used as a regular method of birth control. They are only meant to be used in emergency situations.
Do ECPs have any side effects?
ECPs are g茅n茅ralement well-tolerated. However, some women may experience side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and breast tenderness.
Can ECPs cause an abortion?
No. ECPs do not cause an abortion. They work by preventing pregnancy from occurring in the first place.
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