Sexual Health

Emergency contraception

Emergency birth control involves taking 2 multi-pill doses of birth control pills approximately 12 hours apart. This must begin within 72 hours of unprotected sex. This large dose of hormones interrupts the fertilization process and prevents implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. This method is not the same as the European “abortion” pill, RU486, which is used after pregnancy is established and implantation has occurred. Always consult your health care provider for specific instructions regarding emergency contraception because the exact dose of the pill depends upon the type or brand of the pill prescribed.

Never use this emergency contraception as a regular method of birth control. It is unsafe to use emergency contraception if pregnancy has already been confirmed with a blood or urine test. Never use this method of preventing unplanned pregnancy unless a urine pregnancy test has confirmed that you are not pregnant. If you know you are pregnant, do not use emergency contraception. Discuss your concerns with your health care provider immediately.

In addition to pregnant women, those with a medical history of high blood pressure, blood clots, or breast cancer should not use this method to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

There are side effects to taking these extra high doses of hormones. These include cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Many health care providers prescribe medication to keep your stomach settled, to be taken one hour before a dose of the emergency contraception. If there is any vomiting within an hour of a dose of emergency contraception, it must be repeated because the body didn’t have enough time to absorb all the medication. Consult with your health care provider for advice and management of preventing unplanned pregnancy.