Emergency Contraception
Approximately half of all pregnancies are unintended.
Emergency Contraception (EC) is a safe and effective
means of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex.
It contains hormones found in birth control pills and
must
be started within 120 hours after unprotected
intercourse
but is the most effective when taken
within 12-24 hours.
Emergency contraception does not
harm an established pregnancy.
How to use it?
- See your doctor and get a prescription ASAP.
- Take some anti-nausea medication like Gravol 50-100 mg
or Benadryl 50 mg 1 hour prior to taking EC. - If you vomit within a half hour, the EC might not work
and you should take another dose.
What to expect
After using Emergency Contraception, your next menstrual period should begin within 2 to 4 weeks. If you do not have a full, normal period within 4 weeks you might be pregnant and should have a pregnancy test.
Starting birth control after Plan B
You can start using birth control the day after the second dose of EC is completed and continue taking daily as prescribed. Any partial packages of OCPs ( Oral Contraceptive Pills) should be thrown away.
If you are using the pill, patch or vaginal ring, their hormones can give you bleeding much like a normal period, even if you are pregnant. It’s a good idea to get pregnancy test 2 to 4 weeks after using Plan B.
Warning
Emergency contraception cannot prevent an ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Signs of ectopic pregnancy include pain in the low abdomen, dizziness and nausea.
Also See:
Frequently Asked Questions on Emergency Contraception
Birth Control Methods
Intrauterine Devices