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EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS

What are emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)?

• ECPs are a safe and effective method of birth control that prevent pregnancy after sex.
• If you don't want to become pregnant, use ECPs as soon as possible after unprotected sex. ECps are most effective the sooner they are taken, but you can use them up to 5 days (120 hrs) after unprotected sex.
• ECPs are not abortion pills. They will not work if you are already pregnant.

When do I use emergency contraceptive pills?

ECPs can be used if you had unprotected sex in the last 5 days. Use ECPs if:

• You didn't use any birth control.
• The condom broke.
• You missed 2 or more birth control pills or started your pack late.
• Your diaphragm slipped
• You missed your birth control shot.
• You were forced to have sex

How do emergency contraceptive pills work?
ECPs prevent pregnancy by:

• temporarily stopping an egg from being released, or
• stopping fertilization of the egg, or
• stopping a fertilized egg from attaaching to the wall of the uterus.

ECPs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/ADS.

Are there side effects?

ECPs make some women feel sick to their stomach or vomit. Some women may have sore breasts or headaches. These side effects last about one day. ECPs can also cuase some women's periods to come a little early or late. They do not affect a woman's ability to become pregnant in the future.

How do I take emergency contraceptive pills?

• You can take progestin-only pills (Plan B) either in a single dose (both pills at one time) or in two separate doses, the first dose within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse and the second dose 12 hours after the first dose.
• Keep a packet of ECPs at home to use when you need them.

Are there different types of ECPs?
Yes, there are two types of ECP products available:

• Progestin-only pills (Plan B) reduce risk of pregnancy by 89 percent.
• Taken in special doses, some regular birth contorl pills containing estrogen and progestin can be used as emergency contraception. THey may reduce risk of pregnancy by 75 percent.
• Ask your health care provider or visit www.not-2-late.com