Emergency Contraceptive Pills are an important option for pregnancy prevention. Given the chance, most women would prefer to prevent an unplanned pregnancy rather than decide what to do once one occurs. They should be used as soon as possible following unprotected intercourse (sex), preferably within 72 hours of the unprotected sex.
ECPs are hormones given in two doses. The first dose is given as soon as possible following unprotected intercourse, with a second dose 12 hours later. The hormones in the pills may be either estrogen and progestin or just progestin, depending on which ECP you are given. ECPs work by disrupting the hormone patterns that are essential for pregnancy. Hormone release from the ovaries is reduced, and the development of the uterine lining is disturbed. These disruptions are temporary and will last only a few days. It is also important to know that ECPs do not cause an abortion, they will not disrupt an already established pregnancy! If you are already pregnant at the time you are taking the ECPs, the ECPs will not work. |
|
 |
| | ECPs are a very safe and effective way of preventing an unplanned pregnancy following an act of unprotected intercourse. About half of women who have used ECPs experienced side effects. Side effects include nausea, vomiting and possibly irregular bleeding. These side effects usually subside within 24 hours.
For more information or to get ECPs contact the PPWI health center nearest you (click on the link below) or call 1-800-230-PLAN. |
|
