Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure. The most common type is Plan B which is a progesterone only medication. Take 2 pills as soon as possible after the incident (should be within 72 hours). It works by preventing the release of an egg, preventing implantation of a fertilized egg, or making the uterine lining inhospitable to implantation.
Effectiveness
- 89% after a single act of unprotected sex - MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN TAKEN WITHIN 72 HOURS OF UNPROTECTED SEX
Side Effects
- nausea
- vomiting (especially after the second dose, may require an antiemetic)
- abdominal pain
- fatigue
- headache
- heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding
- dizziness
- breast tenderness
- diarrhea
Contraindications
- allergies
- current pregnancy