Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Reasons Women Request Emergency Contraception No Birth Control Used 55% Barrier Method Failed 35% Other 10%

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP), or The Morning-After "Pill," are actually a large dose of ordinary oral contraceptives taken after intercourse has occurred. ECPs were first used in the 1960's for rape victims, but the FDA now recommends oral contraceptives for emergency use when a woman has had unprotected intercourse within the previous 72 hours. ECPs are thought to be effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Unprotected sex means that contraception was used incorrectly or not at all, or that the contraceptive method failed (i.e. the condom broke or a female barrier device slipped out of place). In the United States, ECPs are marketed under the name Plan B. The oral contraceptive Preven had once been FDA approved for this use, but it was withdrawn from the market in 2004. In addition to Plan B, over twenty brands of OCs can be used for emergency contraception if taken in higher doses.

It takes only a few minutes for sperm to enter the uterus, and if a woman has ovulated, fertilization may occur in just a few hours. ECPs work in the same way as other hormonal methods, by suppressing ovulation (if it has not yet occurred), interfering with the movement of the ovum, and making it difficult for the embryo to implant in the uterus (if fertilization has occurred) [more about this]. For women who have had unprotected intercourse and do not wish to use ECPs, it is suggested that immediately following unprotected intercourse a spermicidal agent be applied to reduce the probability of conception. However, this will not prevent pregnancy if fertilization has occurred.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills can now be obtained in the US without a prescription. Should pregnancy continue, it may be recommended that the patient consider abortion if the treatment fails. However, there is no evidence that oral contraceptive pills would harm a developing baby once implantation has occurred. ECPs are thought to be between 75-89% effective when taken within 72 hours. The more time that has passed since unprotected sex, the less effective the ECPs. Common side effects are nausea and vomiting and menstrual cycle disturbances. Health risks may include an increased risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

Featured Links

• The following links are provided as an informational resource or counterpoint and are not necessarily endorsed by the author:
  • Plan B Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Prescribing information from manufacturer
  • Emergency Contraceptive Pills versus the Abortion Pill (RU486): From the The Care Center
  • Emergency Contraception Information: from Christian Contraception
  • Emergency Contraceptive Pills: from Abortion TV

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