Emergency Contraception

The most common form of emergency contraception contains progestin and sometimes estrogen, hormones similar to a woman’s natural hormones.  If taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse (sex without birth control) or failure of a barrier method (such as a broken condom), emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy. Although called “the morning after pill”, it can be taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

How does emergency contraception work?

  • Delaying or preventing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)
  • Preventing fertilization by decreasing chances the sperm and egg will meet
  • And/or changing the lining of the uterus so that if the egg and sperm meet, the fertilized egg will not attach to the uterine lining.

If a woman is already pregnant, emergency contraception is not effective. There is no evidence emergency contraception is harmful to the fetus if you do get pregnant.

Emergency contraception should be taken only if there has been no other unprotected sex since your last menstrual period.

What types of emergency contraception are available?

  • “Plan B” is a progestin-only product.  The kit contains 2 pills taken 12 hours apart.
  • Some common birth control pills can be used for emergency contraception, but it is important to call Oakdale ObGyn to find out how you could use them for that purpose.  Sometimes anti-nausea medications are taken along with emergency contraception. Ask for this option at the time emergency contraception is prescribed by your Oakdale ObGyn doctor or nurse practitioner.
  • An intrauterine device (IUD)  may be inserted in the uterus. This choice requires an office visit.

How effective is emergency contraception?

If used correctly, emergency contraception is 75 to 95% effective. The sooner emergency contraception is started, the more effective it is.

Reasons for failure include:

  • An early pregnancy is already in place
  • Too much time has elapsed between unprotected intercourse and taking emergency contraception (more than 72 hours).

Side effects

Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.  These symptoms resolve within one or two days after taking the second emergency contraception dose. Vomiting three or more hours after taking emergency contraception will not decrease its effectiveness.

If you vomit within one hour of taking emergency contraception, contact Oakdale ObGyn or the on-call provider if it is after clinic hours. If taking an anti-nausea pill, it should be taken an hour before the first dose of emergency contraception.

Is emergency contraception safe?

Almost every woman who needs emergency contraception can use it safely. Women who should not use emergency contraception include:

  • Women who have missed or are late for their menstrual periods
  • Women who are already pregnant (although there is no evidence that emergency contraception will harm an established pregnancy).

What happens after taking emergency contraception?  

Your next menstrual period usually starts within 21 days after taking emergency contraception. Your period may be heavier or lighter than usual and may arrive a few days earlier or later than usual. If your period does not start within 21 days, do a home pregnancy test or contact your Oakdale ObGyn doctor or nurse practitioner. 

Signs of pregnancy include: a missed menstrual period, nausea, fatigue, sore or enlarged breasts, headaches and frequent urination. Discuss these symptoms with your Oakdale ObGyn provider if these symptoms occur after using emergency contraception.

How much does emergency contraception cost?

Your health insurance may not cover emergency contraception. The cost of emergency contraception depends on the type of emergency contraception you are given. The cost may vary from $25-$50. 

How can you get emergency contraception?

  • If you are age 18 or older, you may purchase Plan B at a pharmacy without a prescription.
  • If you are under age 18, you need a prescription from your health care provider.

How can you learn more about emergency contraception?

Remember: Emergency contraception should only be used for emergencies and not as your primary method of birth control (i.e., birth control pills, Depo Provera, IUD, etc.) since they are more effective.  Emergency contraception does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  Condoms may help prevent transmission of STDs if used correctly and with every act of intercourse.