{"id":5040,"date":"2022-01-07T20:45:34","date_gmt":"2022-01-08T02:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=5040"},"modified":"2022-07-05T11:44:03","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T17:44:03","slug":"emergency-contraception","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/unplanned-pregnancy\/birth-control-pills-patches-and-devices\/emergency-contraception\/","title":{"rendered":"Emergency Contraception: Morning After Pill"},"content":{"rendered":"
Often referred to as the “morning-after pill,” it is a high dose of certain types of the birth control\u00a0pill<\/a>, made up of estrogen and progestin or progestin only. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, emergency contraception does not cause an abortion, it prevents pregnancy from occurring. Emergency contraception must be used soon after unprotected sex.<\/p>\n In 2013, the FDA lifted the age limit on emergency contraception, which can now be obtained over-the-counter without a prescription. This form of birth control is sometimes used in the event of unprotected sexual intercourse, in cases of sexual assault and rape, or if another type of birth control has failed.<\/p>\n Emergency contraception works through high doses of the synthetic\u00a0hormones of estrogen and progestin, or progestin only, which help regulate\u00a0ovulation<\/a> and fertility similar to the way in which the natural forms of these hormones work. It may prevent pregnancy through one or more of these three methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n The first dose of pills is taken as soon as possible (within 72 hours), followed by\u00a0another dose 12 hours later.<\/p>\n Emergency contraception decreases the possibility of pregnancy by\u00a075-89%<\/strong> depending on the type of medication<\/a> taken. This method is most effective the earlier it is taken. The morning after pill is not as effective as other forms of birth control and it isn’t recommended for routine use. It offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.<\/p>\n Emergency contraception pills can be used more than once during a single menstrual cycle, but you should not rely on the morning-after pills as a long-term birth control method. EC pills are not as effective in preventing pregnancy as using a birth control method consistently and correctly. There also may be more side effects from frequent use of EC than from use of a standard birth control method. If you are not using birth control, talk with your ob-gyn or other health care professional about which method would work best for you.<\/p>\n Don’t take a morning-after pill if:<\/p>\n If you’re overweight or obese, there’s some indication that the morning-after pill won’t be as effective in preventing pregnancy as it is for women who aren’t overweight.<\/p>\n Also, make sure you’re not pregnant before using ulipristal. The effects of ulipristal on a developing baby are unknown. If you’re breast-feeding, ulipristal isn’t recommended.<\/p>\n It has side effects similar to those experienced <\/strong>by users of oral or other hormonal types of contraception which include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Emergency contraception may affect your next menstrual cycle<\/a> by making it earlier or later or causing blood flow to be different than normal. Emergency contraception is not recommended for women who are already pregnant.<\/p>\n You should take a pregnancy test<\/a> if you are experiencing\u00a0any pregnancy\u00a0symptoms<\/a>. Although research is limited, studies have not shown that harm would be done to the fetus if this method fails.<\/p>\n To use the morning-after pill:<\/p>\n Normally, you don’t need to contact your health care provider after using the morning-after pill. However, if you have bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than a week or develop severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking the morning-after pill, contact him or her. These can indicate a miscarriage or that the fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy).<\/p>\n There is no longer an age limit on the morning after pill, which is now available over-the-counter without a prescription. Prices generally range from $30-$60 or more.<\/p>\n Emergency Contraception does NOT<\/strong> provide protection against the\u00a0transmission of sexually transmitted diseases<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Compiled using information from the following sources:<\/p>\n 1. Danforth\u2019s Obstetrics and Gynecology Ninth Ed.\u00a0Scott, James R., et al, Ch. 30.<\/p>\n 2. Office on Women’s Health<\/p>\n 3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n 4. William\u2019s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham,\u00a0F. Gary, et al, Ch. 32.<\/p>\nHow Does the Morning After Pill Work?<\/h3>\n
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How effective is the process?<\/h3>\n
How often can I use emergency contraception?<\/h3>\n
The morning-after pill isn’t appropriate for everyone<\/h3>\n
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What are the Side Effects or Health Risks of Emergency Contraception?<\/h3>\n
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What you can expect<\/h3>\n
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How Much Does Emergency Contraception Cost?<\/h3>\n
What About Emergency Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?<\/h3>\n
Want to Know More?<\/h4>\n
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