Birth Control Methods: Emergency Contraception Pill / Question
Published: February 26, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My boyfriend and I had an accident and he came in me. I've heard of something called emergency contraception. What is it?
Signed: Emergency Contraception
Dear Emergency Contraception,
Go to a teen health center ASAP!
So you had sex without a condom or your condom broke. Accidents happen! Now its time to try to prevent pregnancy. Well, emergency contraception may help you!
Emergency contraception (EC), often called post-coital (or after sex) contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy that can be used by females up to 72 hours after unsafe sex (the sooner you take the medication within the 72 hours, the better the chances you have of not becoming pregnant).
There are two types of EC called hormonal methods (high dose birth control pills) or a non-hormonal method (Copper IUD). Doctors usually use only hormonal methods with teenagers because it is easier and safer to use. Your doctor or teen health center will go over all of this with you, but here is some information to get you started:
The hormonal methods of EC are high dose birth control pills prescribed by a physician that can work up to 85% of the time. These pills need to be taken exactly as directed.
Depending on where you are in your monthly menstrual cycle, EC can work in one of three ways by preventing ovulation, interfering with sperm and egg mobility and/or changing the lining of the uterine wall making the egg unable to implant in the uterus. EC does not interfere with an existing pregnancy so it is not an "abortion pill."
Before prescribing EC for you, your doctor will discuss your menstrual cycle and may do a physical exam with a pregnancy test. If you are already pregnant, a teen health center professional will go over your options such as abortion, adoption or keeping the baby. If you are not pregnant, your doctor can prescribe EC and will discuss future methods of birth control.
If your doctor prescribes EC and you decide that this is right for you, you may experience some side effects from the medication, which your doctor will discuss with you. If any of your symptoms become severe, you will need to call your call your doctor or if necessary, go to the emergency room.
Some very important notes about EC:
- Do not try to make up emergency contraction pills using a pack of birth control pills. It is a special dose and you must be under a doctor's supervision. You can get very sick so please do not try to self medicate!
- This is not a form of abortion since it prevents the egg from implanting into the uterus wall. However, this method of contraception will do nothing if you are already pregnant.
- Follow up with your doctor or teen health center as directed (usually 2 to 3 weeks after the use of EC). Do not forget! This way the doctor can make sure the EC was effective and let you know that you are medically okay.
- This should not be used as a sole method of birth control. It is important to discuss methods of birth control such as the pill, Depo provera, condoms, jellies and spermicides, etc.
- This will in no way prevent against any sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms offer some protection, so please use them!
- Use of EC for one episode of unprotected sexual intercourse will not prevent you from getting pregnant later in the month or in the months to follow. Anytime you have unprotected sexual intercourse and you wish to prevent pregnancy, you need to take EC again.
Call a teen health center ASAP and let them know that you need an immediate appointment for emergency contraception. They can see for sexual health reasons without your parent's permission and on a low/no cost basis. Call your local Planned Parenthood for more information on a center near you.
Make an appointment and do it quick. The earlier you go to the doctor, the better off you are!
For more information on Emergency Contraception, check out Not-2-Late.com.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The reality of excessive interest rates and fees that often accompany credit card use for teens, can put youngsters in a position where they are losing out on admission to graduate school, getting a job, or renting an apartment because of damaged credit history.
