Topic Overview
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency
contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy if:
- You had sex without using
.
- Your birth control method
failed. Maybe you forgot to take your pill or get your shot, the condom broke
or came off, or your diaphragm slipped.
- You were raped. Even if
you were using birth control, emergency contraception can help decrease your chance of getting pregnant.
If you had sex without birth control, there is a chance
that you could get pregnant. This is true even if you have not started having
periods yet or you are getting close to
. You could also get pregnant if you used a
birth control method that is not very reliable or if you didn't use it the
right way.
Using emergency contraception right away can prevent an
unwanted pregnancy and keep you from worrying while you wait for your next
period to start.
What are the types of emergency contraception?
There are two main types of emergency contraception: pills and the copper
. Most women choose pills
because they work well, don't cost a lot, and are usually easy to get. The IUD
works very well, but it has to be inserted by a doctor.
- Emergency contraception pills: Pills used for emergency
contraception are sometimes called "morning-after pills." They can be used at
any time up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner, the better.
- The most common option contains a called levonorgestrel. Progestin is a synthetic version of the hormone .
- Another option is a medicine called ulipristal (for example, Ella) that affects the progesterone in your body.
- Some birth control pills are also used. These often contain a combination of
the hormones and . If you already take
birth control pills, you may be able to use the pills you have as emergency
contraception. Talk to your doctor or check the websites listed below for the
correct doses.
- IUD: The copper IUD is a
small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into your uterus. The IUD is
wrapped in copper, which helps kill sperm. It can be placed up to 5 to 7 days
after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. (Note: The hormonal IUD, such as the Mirena, is not used
for emergency contraception.)
How does it work?
Emergency contraception pills
work by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.