EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS

What are Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)?

Emergency contraceptive pills are two large doses of ordinary birth control pills. Within 72 hours after unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. Benedryl tablets can be taken to help with nausea.

Advantages to ECPs:

• ECPs prevent unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex.
• Some women who can't take birth control pills on a regular basis can still use ECPs.
• US Food and Drug Administration has stated that use of certain birth control pills is safe and effective for emergency contraception.

• ECPs may cause nausea (in about half of women) or vomiting (in about 20% of women). Nausea may be prevented by taking Benedryl one hour before each does of ECPs.
• ECPs are not as effective as other contraceptives.
• ECPs should not be used as your regular form of birth control.
• You must get a prescription for ECPs from your nurse. They are not available over the counter.

How do ECPs Work?

ECPs have a combination of hormones that act to prevent pregnancy. ECPs work by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the overy, preventing fertilization, or causign changes in the lining of the uterus that may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. If a pregnancy has already occurred, ECPs will not stop an established or implanted pregnancy (but little research has been done on this issue).

What are the Side Effects of ECPs?

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Early or late menstrual period

Where Can I Get Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

You can go to your OB-GYN office or health department to obtain ECPs. Call (828)695-5800.

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