In June of 2003, a national survey was conducted to address sexual health concerns for women. Included in that survey were questions seeking to determine whether women understood emergency contraception. Unfortunately too few women were able to answer these questions. In fact, only 67% even knew emergency contraception even existed, and many of those women had no idea how it was used. In a country when half of all pregnancies are unexpected, we as a community need to be more informed about this option.
Emergency contraception pills (ECP) are used to help reduce the chance of a woman getting pregnant if used within 72 - 120 hours of unprotected sex . The sooner that these pills are taken after unprotected intercourse, the more effective they will be. The two most popular types are in pill form taken by mouth and are 75-89% effective if taken properly. A progestin-only pill (Plan B®) is usually taken as two pills twelve hours apart . Plan B-One Step ® is two pills taken in one dose. Plan B can be purchased without a prescription by women 18 and over.
Higher doses of regular, combined birth control pills can also be used as emergency contraception. These must be prescribed by your healthcare provider. Another form of emergency contraception is the insertion of an IUD into the uterus by a physician or nurse practitioner within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.
By no means are these methods a substitute for necessary routine birth control, and once a woman discovers she is pregnant they are ineffective. Emergency contraception does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. However, these methods can help decrease the chance of an unwanted pregnancy if they are used in time. It is important to be seen by an OB/GYN or primary health care provider as soon as possible if you believe you recently had intercourse without adequate pregnancy protection, as well as to be evaluated for other sexually related health issues. Additionally, do not hesitate to ask your health care provider about emergency contraception at your next visit even if you are not at risk for pregnancy.
Diana T. Baca, MD
For more information:
The Emergency Contraception Website
The National Women's Health Information Center
Last Updated: October 09, 2009