Emergency Contraceptives

Emergency Contraceptives or ECP is a pill in a form of emergency contraception that should be taken within 120 hours or 5 days to prevent pregnancy during unprotected sex. This pill is not an abortifacient because it prevents pregnancy before it actually begins. The Emergency pill is also known as morning after pill, backup birth control, and emergency birth control. The most commonly used emergency pill is the Plan B.

When does a woman need Emergency Contraceptives?

These pills are meant to be used for emergency situations where the method would be appropriate such as:

* If the condom leaked, fell off, broke or slipped during intercourse
* Missed birth control
* If the safe days are miscalculated
* If during intercourse other birth control methods are used incorrectly
* If intercourse is unexpected and unprotected

These situations are at high risk for pregnancy depending on what day in the menstrual cycle the intercourse took place. Fourteen days after the first day of the last menstrual period is when a woman most likely gets pregnant. So if unprotected sex took place during those days, there is a higher chance of pregnancy.

How does an Emergency Contraception Pill work?

These pills are made from the same hormones that are found in birth control pills. These hormones work by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. They also thicken the cervical mucus, preventing the sperm from entering and from uniting with an egg. Another mechanism of action of these pills is by inhibiting the egg from attaching to the uterine linings.

How is ECP Used?

The pills should be taken as soon as possible or within 5 days after an unprotected sexual intercourse. Plan B, which is the most commonly used ECP can be taken either in one or two doses. For two doses, the second dose should be taken 12 hours apart from the first dose.

If on the first dose the pills made you nauseous, you must take an anti-nausea medication approximately one hour before taking the second dose. If you still feel nauseated after the second dose, it is not advisable to take the pill any further.

How effective is ECP?

When started within 72 hours after the unprotected sexual intercourse, ECP reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89%. In one study, results said that out of 100 women who took the ECP within 72 hours, only 1-2 women became pregnant.

How to get ECP

Emergency contraceptives can be purchased by both men and women who are 18 years old and above in most drugstores without the need of a doctor's prescription. Some health centers also offer this kind of pill. For those who are below 18 years old, a doctor's prescription is needed.

Side Effects of ECP

The common side effects of ECP include nausea and vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, dizziness and irregular bleeding. It these pills are used regularly, the woman's menstrual period may become irregular.

Women who are planning to use emergency contraceptives should seek for an advice from their primary health care provider.