Emergency contraception is a birth control method that women can use within 72 hours of intercourse. Often unintended pregnancy happens after contraceptive failure or human indiscretion. Examples include breakage or slippage of a barrier method, missing 2 or more contraceptive pills, or going longer than 8 days in the no-hormone week of oral contraceptives. In these instances, as well as in all situations in which sexual intercourse was UNPROTECTED, emergency contraception offers a second chance to avoid pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is an essential treatment option for victims of sexual assault.
When used prior to ovulation, emergency contraception disrupts normal follicular development and maturation of an egg. This results in prevention or delay of ovulation. Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant. Also, emergency contraception is not teratogenic - it does not cause birth defects.
Emergency contraception should not be used as a routine form of contraception. It is less effective than most regular contraceptives and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The effectiveness of Emergency contraception is influenced by many factors including luck. Researchers have concluded that the true effectiveness of emergency contraceptive treatment is 80%.
The emergency contraceptive method available at Garrison foster Health Center is called Plan B (because Plan A failed!). Plan B has recently been approved by the FDA but has been used worldwide for many years, particularly in China. Plan B is a small package that contains 2 progestin pills (levonorgestril). It is a 12-hour dosing schedule and the greatest advantage is that there are few side effects. Also, because it is a progestin only pill, it is safer than using pills that contain estrogen.
Emergency contraception is available through the Women's Health Program. Appointments can be made by calling 859-4460. If you need to be seen in the evening or weekend, call 859-4468 to see about an appointment. If you are off campus and need assistance in locating emergency contraception, please call the 24-hour Emergency Contraception hotline at 1-888-NOT 2 LATE.
