What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception is also known as EC, emergency birth control, backup birth control, the morning after pill, and by the brand names Plan B and Next Choice.
Emergency contraception is made of the same hormones found in birth control pills. The hormones in EC work by keeping a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs — ovulation. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm. The hormones in EC also prevent pregnancy by thickening a woman's cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg. EC is not an abortion pill and cannot cause an abortion in a woman who is already pregnant.
Emergency contraception is birth control that prevents pregnancy after sex, which is why it is sometimes called "the morning after pill." You can use emergency contraception right away - or up to five days after sex - if you think your birth control failed, you didn't use contraception, or you were forced to have sex. But the sooner you take EC, the more effective it is, so it is important to take it as soon as you possibly can.
Emergency contraception makes it much less likely you will get pregnant. But emergency contraceptives are not as effective as birth control that's used before or during sex, like the pill or condoms. So if you are sexually active or planning to be, don't use emergency contraception as your only protection against pregnancy. Also, emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, like HIV (only condoms do).
How do I get Emergency Contraception?
Next Choice is available for purchase at Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region's health center for $40 per pack. You must present a photo ID to purchase it. Next Choice is available without a prescription for anyone age 17 or older. It is available for those younger than 17 by prescription only. Minors may be prescribed Next Choice at our health center after undergoing a brief exam. The cost of medical consultation and prescription for minors is $56.
How do I take Emergency Contraception?
Each pack of Next Choice contains two pills. The first pill is to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and the second is taken 12 hours after the first tablet. It is very important to take both tablets on schedule.
Emergency contraceptive pills have been shown to have no long-term or serious side effects, and emergency contraception is safe for almost every woman to use. In general, progestin-only emergency contraceptive pills like Next Choice have fewer side effects than combined emergency contraceptive pills.
What are the possible side-effects?
Some women feel queasy or throw up after taking emergency contraceptive pills. Taking an over-the -counter nausea preventive like Dramamine before you take EC may prevent nausea and vomiting.Other side effects include headache, feeling tired or dizzy, lower abdominal pain, or breast tenderness. These side affects usually stop within a day or two. Some women also find that the female hormones in the pills (either progestin alone or a combination of progestin and estrogen) cause unexpected bleeding; this is not dangerous and should clear up by the time you have your next period. The pills might also cause your next period to come early or late.
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