Emergency Contraception - Morning After Treatment
A Second Chance for Birth Control
You may have a need for emergency birth control after sex if :
- A condom broke or slipped off
- You got caught up in the moment and didn't use any birth control
- Your diaphragm or Today sponge slipped out of place
- You were late for your Depo Provera shot
- You had sex when you didn't expect to
- You skipped your birth control pill or were more than 6 hours late with it
- You were pressured or forced to have sex
- You didn't realize that you had to use protection the first time you had sex
- You were sexually assaulted
If you had unprotected sex under any of these conditions within the past 5 days (120 hours), and you are certain you do not want to become pregnant, then you may want to consider Emergency Contraception. It requires a short visit to the clinic and can be scheduled most days of the week. After January 2007, Emergency Contraception will also be available from a pharmacist without a prescription if you are 18 or over. You will simply take a photo ID to the pharmacy and request Emergency Contraception. If you are under 18, you can get EC from us or from your doctor.
We feel strongly that many women will continue to prefer to come to ARHC for EC because of the privacy and the support that we offer you. Many women, including young women under the age of 18, prefer receiving EC in a setting where they can have their questions answered. Sometimes the sex occurred in settings that may leave some women upset or confused and they want to talk with one of our counselors while they are here. Or they might be wondering if they have picked up a sexually transmitted infection. All EC appointments can occur in a private room.. In addition, we will supply you with your first month's birth control at no cost so that you can get started with a method of protection immediately after EC. Then you can make an appointment for ongoing gyne and contraceptive care with us or your own doctor.
An important thing to know about emergency contraception is that it is more effective closer to the time of the accident. The more time passes after sex, the less effective EC is, but if you are at risk of pregnancy, it is better to use it than not. Statistically, without EC, approximately 8 women out of 100 will become pregnant if they were not using birth control. With the use of EC, only one woman in 100 will become pregnant.
Remember that EC is not effective if you are already pregnant and EC cannot terminate an implanted pregnancy. EC is not meant to be used as a regular method of birth control and is meant to be used only as a second chance to prevent pregnancy. EC is no longer called Morning After Treatment because it can be used for 5 days after sex, not just the morning after. It is not the same thing as the abortion pill, which is also called Mifeprex or RU 486. The abortion pill is used after pregnancy has already occurred and can be gotten at ARHC up to 63 days after your last period started.
The following is a list of questions and answers about one of the best kept secrets in women's health care: Emergency Contraception. Read on to find out what it is, who can use it, and how to get it at Allegheny Reproductive Health Center.
What is EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?
Emergency Contraception (EC) consists of two doses of hormone pills. The first dose is taken as soon as possible, but no later than 120 hours after unprotected sex. The second dose is taken 12 hours after the first dose.
How does EC work?
Researchers believe that the two doses of hormones prevent pregnancy one of two ways. Either the hormones prevent ovulation from occurring, or they alter the uterine lining so that a fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus. The hormones must be taken within 120 hours after unprotected sex. Research indicates that EC is most effective in the 72 hours immediately following the accident, but it still works, with decreasing efficacy, up to 120 hours.
Who can use EC?
Women in good health who have had unprotected sex less than 120 hours prior to the first dose of hormones are eligible. If you call ARHC, a counselor will ask you a series of questions to see if you are a candidate.
How do I get EC?
Call Allegheny Reproductive Health Center for an appointment or go to any pharmacy after January 2007 if you are 18 or over. You must act quickly if you decide to seek EC.
What if EC doesn't work?
Even before you take EC, you should think about what you would do if EC doesn't work and you become pregnant. If you would not have an abortion, you need to weigh the benefit of avoiding pregnancy against the slight risk that the embryo will be exposed to hormones. Medical experts believe that the chances of birth defects resulting from EC are very small but no guarantee can be made.