Emergency Contraception

The facts: Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It cannot interrupt or disrupt an already-established pregnancy. Both oral contraceptive pills and the intrauterine device (IUD) can be used as emergency contraceptives. Depending on the time in the menstrual cycle in which it is taken, emergency contraception may stop the release of an egg from a woman's ovary, interfere with fertilization or prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

Emergency contraceptive pills (also known as the "morning after pill") are the most commonly used method of emergency contraception. They are simply ordinary birth control pills taken in higher doses. The first dose of pills must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, and a second dose is taken 12 hours later.

A copper IUD can be used for emergency contraception if it is inserted within five days following unprotected intercourse. This method provides up to 10 years of contraceptive protection.

How well it works: Reduces the risk of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse by as much as 89 percent. The pills are more effective the earlier the first dose is taken. Insertion of a copper IUD reduces the risk of pregnancy by more than 99 percent.

Pros:
• No serious or long-term side effects are associated with using emergency contraceptive pills. (See the IUD section for information on the advantages of IUDs.)

Cons:
• Some women who take emergency contraceptive pills will experience short-term side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness and menstrual changes -- heavier or lighter bleeding during their next period. (See the IUD section for information on the disadvantages of IUDs.)

Where to get it:Emergency contraceptive pills and IUDs require a prescription. To locate a health care practitioner near you who provides emergency contraception, call the National Emergency Contraception Hotline operated by the Association for Reproductive Health Professionals at 888-NOT-2-LATE.

Cost: Emergency contraceptive pills cost an average of $20. Some providers also require an office visit, which can cost from $35 to $150. Medicaid and some private health insurance plans cover most or some of these costs. Many family planning clinics provide services and supplies free or on a sliding scale, based on your income.