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Emergency Contraception Pill
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ECP is medication that is taken up to 120 hours (five days) after sex to prevent pregnancy. It contains a hormone called levonorgestrel that is similar to the hormone progestin, which is naturally made in the woman’s body.
To reduce the risk of pregnancy, the first dose needs to be taken as soon as possible within 120 hours of unprotected sex. Depending on the type of ECP you take, you may need to take a second dose 12 hours later.
The primary ways that ECPs work is to temporarily stop the ovaries from releasing eggs, and to prevent fertilization. It may also work to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
ECPs reduce the risk of pregnancy by at least 75% if begun within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
No. ECPs will not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Although a small amount of hormone may be passed to the infant, there have been no problems found with the health, growth or development of the infant. ECPs do not affect the quality or quantity of the breast milk.
No. ECPs are not known to harm a developing fetus.
No. ECPs do not work if you are already pregnant.
Side effects include breast tenderness, headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
You may also have a change in periods (lighter or heavier bleeding).
You may also have a change in periods (lighter or heavier bleeding).
Any woman who is pregnant or has undiagnosed, irregular bleeding between periods.